THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 July 21, 2010 • vol 25 no 42 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com White House issues HIV/AIDS strategy by Bob Roehr

The U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy, after more than a year of “consultations” with the commu- nity, was formally released at an invitation-only Indigo gathering in the White House complex on July Girls page 14 13. It has three concrete goals according to Jef- frey Crowley, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), who led the team that pre- pared it. First, it aims to reduce new infections by 25% over five years by intensifying prevention ef- forts in communities where the epidemic is most heavily concentrated; expand targeted preven- tion efforts “using a combination of effective evidence-based approaches;” and educate all Americans about the threat of HIV and how to prevent it. Second is to increase access to care and opti- mizing health outcomes. Much of that will rely upon elements within broad healthcare reform Point legislation passed earlier this year. Third is to reduce HIV-related health dispari- Foundation page 8 ties. Key elements will be increased reliance upon community and structural rather than Wholly individual interventions, and efforts to reduce stigma so that people are more likely to seek testing and treatment. Crowley’s office will make annual reports on Jolie page 17 progress toward meeting those goals. “All of us are being asked to do more with less,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health A-list celebrity/gay fave Angelina Jolie talks about filming her upcoming spy thriller, and Human Services. “We can’t expect this [HIV] Salt. See page 17. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Turn to page 4 Changes abound at Howard Brown Elena page 5 By Yasmin Nair provided some updates. Additional updates were social-service organization that works primarily Kagan provided via an e-mail from Leslie Schreiber of with wards of the state system. According to Center (HBHC) recently Winger Associates, the communications firm Schreiber, while the board traditionally conducts went through a major upheaval when it was that is currently handling press inquiries. So elections in March, these were delayed this year revealed that the executive director and chief far, Howard Brown has instituted a compliance “in order to maintain consistency during the re- financial officer had allegedly mishandled funds committee that reports to both Edwards and the view.” involving the Multi-Center AIDS Cohort Study board of directors on “financial and [human re- Editha Paras has joined Howard Brown as the (MACS) grant, which administers the grant. This sources] issues and the like.” A new board has new chief financial officer. Her bio was not up supposed discovery resulted in the departure of been voted on; former chair Stephen Phelps is on the website before went its two senior staff, CFO Mark Joslyn and CEO now a member-at-large and the new board chair- to press. According to Schreiber, she holds “an Michael Cook, and the transference of the grant man is Mark D. Andrews, who is senior litigation MBA in finance and marketing from the Kellogg pick it up to . On June 1, Jamal counsel at Career Education Corporation, a Hoff- Graduate School of Management at Northwest- Edwards, formerly a partner in the law firm of man Estates-based entity that describes itself ern University.” Her LinkedIn profile lists her as take it home Kirkland and Ellis, took over as executive direc- as part of the “private, for-profit postsecondary the owner of Dos Amigas restaurant; Schreiber tor. At the time, the matter of the MACS grant education industry.” The board vice-chair is Lau- wrote that her retail experience would especially was under review. ra Angelucci, vice president of administration at Turn to page 8 In an interview with Windy City Times, Edwards UCAN (Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network), a

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page 20 2 July 21, 2010 July 21, 2010 3 index When a Great Deal Matter's Shop Rob Paddor’s NEWS EVANSTON SUBARU in SKOKIE ENDA not on agenda 4 White House’s HIV/AIDS plan 4 Elena Kagan: An enigma 5 DADT trial gets little attention 6 Experts on LGBTQ violence 7 Smoking-cessation program 7 Point Foundation soiree 8 No ADAP waiting list 8 Changes at Howard Brown 8 World items: Argentina 9 PRIDE IGLHRC gets UN status 9 Views by Balay, Fulton; letter 10 ENTERTAINMENT/ EVENTS Musician Natalie Merchant talks with Scottish Play Scott 11 Windy City Times. See page 15. Theater reviews 12 Indigo Girls; Jared Leto 14 Natalie Merchant 15 FREE Angelo Garcia on Ricky Martin 15 KATM: DVDs; TV’s Rob Dauber 16 #1 Angelina Jolie talks ‘Salt’ 17 DOG WASH SUBARU FREE PIZZA & Book review: Leaving India 18 DEALER THIS SATURDAY Pitchfork; Lilith Fair pics 19 HOT DOGS TOO! Billy Masters 21 IN 11AM-2PM C.A.R.E. To Benefit and help Pet Adoption! 2008 OUTLINES for the Evanston Animal Shelter. Real estate; classifieds 18 2009 † Calendar Q 20 New 2010 Subaru Outback Cleveland hosting ‘14 Games? 22 2010 Gay Games: Jessica Andrasko 22 Windy City Times reviews About Face Photos on cover: Photo of Indigo Girls; image of Edd Youth Theatre’s QUEERTOPIA. See page Taylor at the Point Foundation soiree by Kat Fitzgerald 13. (MysticImagesPhotography.com); photo of Elena Kagan •New Design Photo of Cristian Gorostieta •All-Wheel-Drive by Aurelia Fisher **

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Kagan’s e-mail concerning the proposed ex- It has been clear since Elena Kagan was nomi- Jason Andrews, 27, known to many Chicago par- ecutive order appears to question why the ad- nated to the U.S. Supreme Court that her con- tygoers as DJ Veritas, is facing first-degree mur- ministration should issue it. The order, issued firmation hearing would be unusually focused on der charges for the slaying of a Florida man. in May 1998, declared that a Civil Service law things gay. According to a report in the New York Daily requirement that a federal employee’s “conduct First, there were the complaints that she News, Dennis Abrahamsen was found covered in not related to job performance” (such as the em- barred military recruiters from Harvard Law blood on his massage table the morning after a ployee’s sexual orientation) could not be a basis School while she was dean. Then, came rumors May 15 sex party at which Andrews girlfriend, for discrimination. that she herself is gay. And finally, there has Amanda Logue, was hired to work. The report “Her reaction was like, ‘Sounds right to me, been a generalized fear expressed by right-wing Elena Kagan. cites text messages between Logue and Andrews let’s do it,’” said Socarides. “She was never drag- groups that she’s liberal enough to reverse the planning to kill the Tampa-area tattoo artist. ging her feet on this or any gay stuff.” Defense of Marriage Act. discuss the recent rise in hate crimes directed at Andrews and Logue allegedly stabbed Abraham-

But there’s surprisingly little support for any gay and lesbian Americans.” Her response is curt ©2010 Keen News Service sen, beat him with a sledge hammer, and then of these assumptions in the thousands of e- and non-committal: “if I can.” Find out more about Kagan’s background stole $6,000 and credit cards. mails, memoranda and other documents submit- In August of that year, Socarides e-mailed Ka- online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Both Logue and Andrews worked in the porn ted to the Senate Judiciary Committee from the gan asking her “Where are we?” on the “sexual industry. The couple had spent the weeks lead- archives of the Clinton White House. Kagan, who orientation non-discrimination executive order.” ing up to the murder hanging out at the beach served as associate White House counsel from Kagan forwarded his e-mail to another policy of- D.C. court upholds and shooting porn films. Their Twitter accounts 1995-96 and as an official with the Domestic ficial to ask, “did bruce really say for maria to do marriage statute detail days of partying, taking pictures, and this? Why?” watching movies together. Policy Council from 1997-99, showed little stom- In a 5-4 decision, the D.C. Court of Appeals Bruce Reed was Kagan’s boss, director of the On May 16, the day after Abrahamsen’s mur- ach for tackling gay-related issues. upheld the same-sex marriage law in the dis- Strangely, there are no e-mails or documents White House Domestic Policy Council. Maria der, Andrews used Twitter to ask for movie rec- trict, according to the Washington Post. The addressing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Echaveste was deputy chief of staff. Another e- ommendations from friends. Five days later, in question before the judges was if the D.C. Board though the legislation was introduced, passed, mail six months later showed the Council was his last Twitter post, he pleaded in Hebrew for of Elections and Ethics was within legal bound- and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996. still talking about it. Logue to let him know she was safe. Logue and aries when it rejected an initiative by marriage- That was the year Kagan was Associate Counsel These are not the machinations of a stealth Andrews had allegedly fled to different states equality opponents to have the public vote on and, thus, the point person to advise the presi- gay activist. The e-mails, documents, and tes- under suspicion of murdering Abrahamsen after a referendum involving same-sex marriage. The dent on the constitutionality of bills coming to timony at her confirmation hearing for Solici- they were arrested for using Abrahamsen’s credit marriage-equality bill became law in March. his desk. tor General paint a picture of an official who cards. The two had been released for lack of evi- Peter D. Rosenstein, a gay-rights activist, In response to questions during her confirma- is aware of gays as a constituency but not as a dence connecting them to the murder. called the decision a “victory for decency and tion hearing to become solicitor general, Kagan priority. Andrews, was arrested in Chattanooga, Tenn., civil and human rights.” said she “never studied” the Massachusetts On “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” her position seemed July 15; he is being held there until he can be Supreme Judicial Court’s 2003 ruling that said crafted to walk the most narrow of middle lines. Because all nine judges heard the case, the moved to Pasco County, Fla., Hamilton County gay couples have a state constitutional right to Speaking to a group of senior cadets at West appellants would have to take their case to Officials told Windy City Times. Logue is in cus- obtain marriage licenses the same as straight Point in 2007, Kagan said she was “grieved” that the U.S. Supreme Court, and the justices must tody in Pasco County awaiting trial. couples. The lack of interest seems particularly the military and law schools were in court, fac- choose to hear it. After the ruling, Bishop Harry As DJ Veritas, Andrews spun at bars in Boys- odd given that she was dean of Boston-based ing off over the policy to exclude gays. Jackson—the pastor of Hope Christian Church town such as Scarlet and Circuit. Harvard Law School at the time the decision “Law schools, including mine, believe that and a marriage-equality foe—said he and his became globally publicized and discussed—trig- employment opportunities should extend to all lawyers will do just that. gering attention from presidential candidates to their students, regardless of their race or sex Congress to the mayor of San Francisco. She told or sexual orientation,” said Kagan. “And I per- the Senate Judiciary Committee she couldn’t re- sonally believe that the exclusion of gays and member making any remarks about the law even from the military is both unjust and though she moderated a panel on the landmark unwise. I wish devoutly that these Americans Goodridge decision at Harvard Law School three too could join this noblest of all professions and months after it was issued and during the throes serve their country in this most important of all of conflict in the Massachusetts legislature con- ways.” sidering ways to undo it. Shortly after Kagan became dean of Harvard “I suspect I participated in informal conver- Law, in 2003, an Air Force Chief of Recruiting sation about the decision when it came out,” sent an e-mail to superiors indicating that Har- said Kagan, “but I cannot remember anything I vard “folded and conformed to our interpreta- said.” tion” of the Solomon Amendment, “but did so At least two people close to her support that WITH much grumbling.” claim. While “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” preceded Ka- Asked in a recent telephone press conference gan’s time as White House counsel, the Solomon whether Kagan advised Clinton on the constitu- Amendment was passed in 1996, when she was tionality of DOMA, her then-colleague Michael associate councils. The amendment was passed Waldman said, “I don’t know if she offered her in response to law schools uniting behind a pol- Featuring: view” on DOMA. Asked whether she would have icy of requiring employers who wanted to recruit Alamo Shoes Andersonville Sidewalk Sale prepared a memo to the president concerning among their students to abide by a policy of Andersonville Galleria the bill’s constitutionality, he said “possibly.” non-discrimination, including no discrimination bâan home based on sexual orientation. A Better Tan July 30 – August 1 This reporter has found none thus far. e Bootcamp Express And Lauren Lucas, who graduated from Har- Kagan inherited the policy as dean at Harvard Brimeld vard Law in 2005 and participated in a White Law when she took the helm in 2003. That Oc- Brown Elephant Friday, Saturday, Sunday House teleconference with reporters about Ka- tober, an Air Force recruiting chief e-mailed su- Bucky Gear periors that “Harvard complied [with the amend- Chicago Aquarium Co. gan, recalled that there was “a lot of student Chicago Dance Supply 5000-5800 North Clark discussion” about the Goodridge decision but ment] and treated the [Air Force] the same as City Olive Lucas “heard no comment from Kagan.” other employers.” Equinox In fact, e-mails from Kagan generally managed Richard Socarides, who was White House liai- FOURSIDED Custom Framing Gallery son to the gay community during the Clinton Green Genes to make no comment about gay issues—not even His Stu whether she would attend a White House meet- years, suggests that the portrait painted by this e Landmark of Andersonville ing to discuss a gay issue. In response to a Feb. latter memo is a more accurate one than are the Marguerite Gardens 21, 1997, e-mail she received asking that she various e-mails. Moda Boutique On e Rocks Gems Jewelry & More attend a “Gays Issues” meeting that afternoon, “I worked with her and got to know her quite Patina Kagan’s response complains that she’s gotten well during that period of 1996 to 99,” said Presence notice of the meeting only that day; nothing Socarides. “She was very supportive of what e Red Balloon Co. about whether she would attend. the president was trying to do around creating Room Service Ru N’ Stu Pet Center Two months later, openly gay White House greater equality for gays and lesbians. She was e Runner’s Edge staffer Richard Socarides gave her two days’ no- very supportive of the mission that he had given Swedish American Museum tice and asked her to attend a meeting to discuss me—to make sure, to the extent possible, that Toys et Cetera hate crimes with a group of “gay and lesbian an- gays were included and a part of every relevant Turley Road Urbanest www.andersonville.org ti-violence (hate crimes) advocates from around policy discussion that took place.” e White Attic the country.” His e-mail tells her the meeting Socarides said he does not remember Kagan Women & Children First is at the request of the advocates who wish “to being at any of the White House meetings on 6 July 21, 2010 sional approval—and the lack of clear timelines, In a telephone conference call with reporters any ultimate repeal that may result from this July 9, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell de- DADT trial legislation is at this point remote, if not wholly fended the survey, saying its purpose was not speculative.” to be a referendum on DADT but “a confidential opens to Phillips also, critically, ruled last year that DoJ conversation” between the Pentagon DADT work- must show not just a rational reason to justify ing group and “a large representative sample” of DADT but an “important” reason. While a “ratio- servicemembers. little fanfare nal” reason could be just about anything, requir- And, in fact, one could “read” the survey as a By Lisa Keen ing an important reason makes it harder for the tactic common among political surveys—provid- Keen News Service federal government to defend the law. ing to servicemembers some ideas about how to Phillips’ pre-trial rulings have not all been in handle situations involving gay servicemembers. While most people who are concerned about favor of LCR. In one, she indicated she would For instance, with the shower facility question, eliminating the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” not hear the group’s claim that DADT violates the six multiple-response choices are: “Take no (DADT) law are focused on a bill in Congress and the equal protection guarantee. action,” “Discuss how we expect each other to a survey by the Pentagon, there is important The legal questions that remain during the tri- behave and conduct ourselves while sharing a action elsewhere—in a federal district court in al are whether DADT violates the constitutional room, berth or field tent,” “Talk to a chaplain, Riverside, Calif. guarantees to free speech and due process of mentor, or leader about how to handle the situ- It is there, in the U.S. District Court for Central law. And the question of free speech is, in this ation,” “Talk to a leader to see if I have other California, that Judge Virginia Phillips opened case, limited. Phillips said she would consider options,” “Something else” and “Don’t know.” proceedings July 13 in a bench trial to hear a DADT’s implications on speech other than state- (If a servicemember chooses “Something else,” class action lawsuit against DADT. ments “regarding homosexuality as evidence of the survey prompts him or her to “specify” what Log Cabin Republicans v. U.S. is to the federal his or her propensity to engage in homosexual that is.) law banning gays from the military what Perry acts.” But in clarifying the purpose of the questions v. Schwarzenegger is to the state law banning Phillips, 52, was appointed to the federal about sharing bathroom and sleeping facilities, gays from obtaining marriage licenses. It is a Alexander Nicholson. Photo by Tracy Baim bench in 1999 by President Clinton, who signed Morrell said they were intended to determine days-long trial examining the history of the law, DADT into law in 1993. LCR filed its lawsuit whether the large-scale group expressed the the injury it has caused and the likelihood that measure pending that could significantly affect against the policy in 2004. same concerns as did servicemembers participat- animus is its motivation. Among those on the witness stand, according ing in 30 focus group discussions on the topic. The plaintiff is the Log Cabin Republicans the DADT law. But in an important victory July 6, Phil- to LCR lead attorney Daniel Woods, were Terry He said they would also direct the Pentagon’s (LCR), a national gay political group, who says Hamilton, chairman of the LCR national board; efforts in being able to “devise a solution” to many of its members are being denied their con- lips ruled against the government on all three points. She said LCR was entitled to a trial and Jamie Ensley, president of the Georgia LCR chap- problems that are perceived to be widespread stitutional rights. The group specifically identi- ter; Philip Bradley, LCR member; and Nathaniel concerns. fies two members: Alexander Nicholson, a former entitled to put on witnesses. She ruled that against a postponement, saying that it would Frank, author of a book about the military’s “If we avoided these questions and proceeded U.S. Army Human Intelligence officer who was policy on gays called Unfriendly Fire. with a repeal, and proceeded with an implemen- discharged under DADT and now serves as head be “speculative” to assert that the DADT repeal measure before Congress “will ultimately be in- According to a prepared statement published tation that didn’t address this potential problem, of Servicemembers United; and John Doe, a lieu- on blogcabin.net, an LCR blog, Woods called we wouldn’t be doing our job,” said Morrell. “Be- tenant colonel in the Army Reserves concerned cluded as part of the final defense authorization bill.” And, even if the DADT repeal is retained DADT “one of the most pressing civil rights is- cause the [Defense] secretary’s attitude about he may face discharge under the policy. sues in our great country today.” this is he thinks this change should be made, The U.S. Department of Justice has tried re- within the defense-authorization bill, she said, repeal of the law is still conditioned on various But interest in the case would not prove that but he’s insisting that it be done smartly.” peatedly to have the lawsuit dismissed, claiming point. Except for a few Twitter reports from The That latter statement from Morrell was the first LCR has no legal standing to serve as plaintiffs. certifications. “In other words,” wrote Phillips, “the currently Advocate and an LGBTpov.com blog entry from time a Pentagon official confirmed that Defense It also tried to have the judge decide the case Karen Ocamb, news editor for Frontiers in LA Secretary Robert Gates is himself in favor of without hearing testimony from LCR’s witnesses. contemplated legislation, were it to become law, would not result in imminent repeal of the DADT magazine, there was relatively little coverage repealing DADT. Gates’ public statements, thus And it tried to have the judge “stay”—or post- of the case. And compared to the media frenzy far, have been carefully worded to indicate “sup- pone—the lawsuit, arguing that Congress has a Policy. Given the many contingencies involved— including the threshold contingency of Congres- around the Proposition 8 case in January, and its port” for the president’s decision to repeal DADT closing arguments in June, LCR v. US is proceed- and have not stated explicit support for repeal ing in virtual obscurity. of DADT. A Twitter report from The Advocate indicated (For a transcript of the telephone conference that, among general circulation media, only the call, see www.defense.gov/transcripts/tran- Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times had script.aspx?transcriptid=4651. For a copy of the reporters in the courtroom July 13. But by the complete survey, go to servicemembersunited. end of the day, the Los Angeles Times had run org/survey.) the Associated Press story, which provided few Language seeking repeal of the policy—fol- a details about that day’s courtroom proceedings. lowing a prescribed certification process—is Neither of the two national organizations work- embedded in the annual legislation to authorize ing for repeal of DADT had any mention of the spending by the Defense Department. The Sen- in the ate is expected to take up the issue before it GAY lawsuit on their websites July 13, nor did any of the national gay legal or political organizations. takes its summer recess Aug. 12. LIFE Even Blogcabin.net ran only attorney Woods’ ©2010 Keen News Service prepared opening statement. What has captured considerable media atten- Windy City Times is seeking tion concerning DADT during the past several Miss. school to recommendations for a new days is a “survey” the Pentagon sent to about pay damages 400,000 active duty servicemembers asking such feature called “A Gay In the questions as, “If Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed in prom case Life,” which will focus on and you are assigned to bathroom facilities with In Mississippi, Itawamba County School Dis- an open bay shower that someone you believe trict officials agreed to have a judgment regard- the everyday lives of local to be a gay or lesbian Service member also used, ing the case of Constance McMillen, a recent LGBTs from all walks of life which are you most likely to do?” With this high school graduate who sued her school for question, the survey gave servicemembers sev- canceling the prom instead of letting her attend and professions. We seek to eral possible answers to choose from, including with her girlfriend, according to a press release “use the shower at a different time” and ask a from the American Civil Liberties Union. represent the full scope of leader for “other options.” McMillen had alleged that she was the victim LGBT life in our city. Servicemembers United, a national organiza- of humiliation and harassment after parents, tion of gay and lesbian servicemembers, harshly students and school officials put on a fake prom criticized the survey as “biased” against gay for her and her girlfriend while the other class- To recommend an individual (or even yourself) for servicemembers. Nicholson said the survey used mates were at the actual private prom. “A Gay In the Life,” please send an email to “derogatory and insulting wording, assumptions, School officials will implement a policy out- [email protected] and type “A Gay In the and insinuations.” lawing discrimination the basis of sexual orien- The survey repeatedly uses the clinical one- tation or gender identity. The district will also Life” in the subject line. Let us know a little bit about the dimensional term “homosexual,” and even mis- pay McMillen $35,000 and cover her attorneys’ individual you are recommending: who they are, what they states the law itself, saying that it requires fees. separation from the service of a servicemember McMillen said, “I’m so glad this is all over. I do and a little bit about a typical day in their gay life. who “is found to have engaged in, or attempt- won’t ever get my prom back, but it’s worth it if ed to engage in, homosexual acts.” The law, in it changes things at my school.” fact, calls for discharge of a servicemember who Please include the email address and a daytime phone of “demonstrates a propensity” to have sex with a the recommended individual. person of the same gender, and a servicemember who simply says, “I am gay” is considered to have such a propensity. July 21, 2010 7 The report includes several recommendations The program helps smokers to identify what Furmanski. Although EX is only a broad-based for the prevention of hate violence on all lev- triggers them to smoke, whether it’s drinking campaign right now, the program has attracted els of organizing, politics and the justice sys- coffee; driving to work; or just boredom and a wide variety of groups. “I imagine that be- tem. “One of our key recommendations is that stress. “Our research has shown that once smok- cause it’s online, there is some level of com- state and federal governments and criminal legal ers understand that they can tackle the problem fort because people only share the information systems need to support our anti-violence pro- by putting it into bite-sized pieces, dealing with that they want to share,” he added. “One of the grams at the local and national level by ceasing one trigger at a time, it makes it a more manage- things that I think really resonates with people cutbacks and releasing funding for prevention, able process,” said Furmanski. is the idea that it’s peer-to-peer.” education and data collection,” said Gilmore. “A Identifying and slowly defusing triggers is The EX program is only online, but provides really important part of this work is that these only the first step, though. EX has partnered suggestions, tips and expert advice on how to larger institutions need to end any discrimina- with the Mayo Clinic, and experts provide advice quit for people who already understand that tory practices that they participate in that actu- through a blog where smokers can ask questions. smoking is unhealthy, but need some help to ally promote LGBTQ hate violence.” Dr. Richard Hurt, from Mayo Clinic’s Nicotine De- quit. “I think that anything that is going to Mabel, a survivor of hate violence from Den- pendence Center, explained the re-learning ad- resonate with the individual is something that ver, Colo., told her personal story during the diction step on the website. Dr. Hurt talks about we’d love to support,” McCann said. “For some press conference. A 27-year-old who identifies different medications that can help smokers individuals, online media is going to be exactly as gender-queer, Mabel was riding her bike home quit—“medication can double your chances of what they need—just because they have access when she was jumped by a group young men. quitting smoking,” according to the site. to it, it suits their lifestyle.” After being beaten, Mabel called the police to The last step, re-learning support, includes To start the program and join the almost report her injuries and have them pursue her at- not only the strength of friends and family, but 250,000 other EX users in quitting smoking, go tackers. Mabel said that the police disrespected also the 300-plus groups that users on the site to www.becomeanex.org. In the Chicago area, and discriminated her;. However, the police have created. “It’s given people a forum to find McCann recommends the Howard Brown Health questioned the validity of Mabel’s story about others like them and exchange stories and share Center, www.howardbrown.org; the Illinois To- the attack and physically forced her to ride in information,” said Furmanski. “The groups are bacco Quitline (1-866-QUIT-YES); and the Chi- an ambulance. Because she did not have health just bubbling up based on what the needs are.” cago Tobacco Prevention Project, www.lungchi- Lisa Gilmore. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (Mys- insurance, Mabel sought out the police report The Gay/Lesbian Quitters of Steel group says in cago.org/chicago-tobacco-prevention-project. ticImagesPhotography.com) in order to try to receive survivor support and its description, “How the hell are we going to assistance. Mabel then discovered the two cops be strong enough to fight for the freedoms we never filed the report. deserve if we’re killing ourselves by inches by Pride Law board The Center on Halsted, with the Anti-Violence smoking?” members wanted Experts weigh Project (AVP), provides crisis counseling, legal “Smoking in the LGBT community [happens Tsamis Law Firm, P.C., an Andersonville-based advocacy services, information and referrals to at] a significantly higher prevalence than in law firm, has announced the forthcoming for- in on violence survivors of violence and discrimination. In the the mainstream population, and there’s a lot of mation of Pride Law, a not-for-profit legal ser- report, the Center on Halsted AVP reported 79 theories about why this is the case and some of vices organization that will focus on serving the towards LGBTQs survivors or victims of hate violence in 2009 which have to do with the stressful lifestyle,” unique legal needs of the LGBT community. Pride BY KRISTIN KOWALSKI down from those reported in 2008 at 108 sur- said Pamela McCann, an administrator in the Of- Law will provide pro bono and reduced-fee legal vivors or victims. The center also reported 65 fice of LGBT Health at the Chicago Department services to the LGBT community in addition to The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs incidents in 2009, down from 125 in 2008. The of Public Health. “Stress is being caused by lack serving as an education and self-help portal for (NCAVP) released a report on hate violence number of offenders also went down, from 94 in of support from other social groups, families, LGBT legal issues. against LGBTQ communities in the United States 2008 to 65 in 2009. sometimes it begins even at school.” McCann Tsamis Law Firm P.C. & Pride Law seek letters as of 2009. In a press conference, Crystal Mid- For the full report, visit the Anti-Violence added that the tobacco industry has also spe- of interest from people who would like to be dlestadt of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program Project website at www.avp.org. The AVP cifically targeted the LGBT community. considered as board members. Please forward highlighted three key findings. “Murders are at 24-hour crisis line is 773-871-2273 and “[The American Legacy Foundation] under- letters of interest with a resume or CV to Betty the highest rate in a decade,” she said. “Twenty- non-emergency calls can be directed to Lisa stands the importance of culturally tailor- Tsamis at [email protected]. two victims of hate murders were reported to Gilmore from the Center on Halsted at 773- ing programs for different populations,” said NCAVP in 2009. This reflects an unchecked and 472-6469, ext. 224. ongoing pattern of severe and persistent vio- lence against LGBTQ communities.” “Second, there was a spike of anti-LGBTQ vio- Programs seeks lence at the time of the federal hate-crimes law passage,” said Middlestadt. “In 2009, President to make LGBTs Take care of Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. hate crimes prevention act into law.” ‘EX’-smokers BY KRISTIN KOWALSKI your partner’s tomorrows Another key finding was the negative impact of the economic crisis on resources available for LGBTQ survivors of violence. BecomeAnEX.org is not a site to help people by planning today. The NCAVP is a coalition of 40 anti-violence break up with their significant others—that is, unless you consider cigarettes to be that impor- organizations that “monitors, responds to and Make sure that the decisions that govern works to end hate, domestic and sexual violence, tant in your life. The American Legacy founda- HIV-related violence and other forms of violence tion changed young people’s attitudes about to- your financial future and your health affecting LGBTQ communities,” according to a bacco use and now is focusing on helping adults care—and that of your partner—are made press release. quit smoking. The three-step plan is all about by you and your partner. At Kovitz Shifrin Lisa Gilmore, director of education and victim re-learning your life without cigarettes: re-learn Nesbit, we believe that proper planning advocacy at the Center on Halsted Anti-Violence habit, re-learn addiction and re-learn support. Project in Chicago, was also part of the call. LGBT people can find support in user-created is critical, even for those with moderate “While the total number of reported incidents groups on the site like Gay/Lesbian Quitters of and small estates. Our attorneys will of hate violence have declined slightly in 2009,” Steel or Rainbow EXSmokers. If you’ve tried quit- explore your goals with you, address your she said, “we believe that this is actually a de- ting before, you know how important support concerns and enhance the protection of is to keeping you on track. But like the other crease in reporting, not a decrease in actual vio- your loved ones. lence.” The decrease in reporting is attributed to two steps, support is only one component of the the ongoing fiscal crisis the United States has “EX” plan. been experiencing, which has depleted resources “Quitting smoking is different for everyone, The best time to provide a secure future for assistance and programming for LGBTQ hate and it has to be on someone’s own terms,” said for your partner is right now. violence survivors. Bill Furmanski, senior vice president of collabo- Call Bill Levy at 847-777-7330 or She added, “Ten of the 15 programs that par- ration and outreach. “We want to be supportive ticipated in this report responded to a survey without being overbearing.” EX is a free smok- e-mail [email protected]. on the impact of the financial crisis and five of ing-cessation program that understands that those programs lost staff positions due to fund- smokers already know that smoking is bad for ing cuts between 2007 and 2009.” On average, them. The program is designed for 18-54 year around 56 percent of staff were eliminated, ac- olds who have tried to quit smoking within the Our practice is concentrated in cording to Gilmore. past 12 months. estate planning, estate and trust KOVITZ The federal hate-crimes law brought attention EX is not about turning your whole life around administration, real estate, in one day. “A lot of people don’t know what’s SHIFRIN to the LGBTQ community and caused a spike in corporate, litigation and representing hate violence against LGBTQ people, which his- most likely to help them succeed,” said Furman- businesses, condominium associations, torically occurs during May, June or July because ski. “And there’s things that the public health NESBIT of the attention brought by pride events. “As community knows that smokers aren’t always homeowners associations, LGBTQ people are moving towards fuller equal- aware of and those things are talking to your co-ops and lending institutions. ity and more visibility,” said Gilmore,” fear of doctor, using medication, getting behavioral 847-777-7330 www.ksnlaw.com violence can sometimes impede people making counseling and the idea of social support, which choices to be visible.” is something that EX provides in those commu- nity groups.” Chicago Buffalo Grove Naperville Lake Forest Racine, Wisconsin 8 July 21, 2010 a waiting period for clients to receive antiretro- State: No ADAP viral drugs. Matt Charles of IDPH called the ADAP funding measures “a big win for everybody.” Point Foundation’s soiree waiting list The advisory panel also discussed how to set BY MASON HARRISON up guidelines for easing access to ADAP based upon income; talked about the need to address Thousands of Illinois HIV/AIDS patients, clini- program enrollees who never or rarely access cians and other stakeholders breathed a col- their medication; and planned future discussions lective sigh of relief July 16 when state offi- to deal with how to set up criteria for establish- cials announced that the Illinois Department ing a wait list should one become necessary in of Public Health (IDPH) would not implement the future. a waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Pro- The panel will meet again in mid-September. gram (ADAP). IDPH officials had contemplated starting a wait list because severe budget woes threatened to put a strain on the program. Of- Vital Bridges’ ficials attributed the need to not implement a new board chair waiting period to a last-minute influx of state The Chicago-based HIV/AIDS agency Vital and federal money into the program. Bridges has named Tom Polucci as its new board Members of a state advisory panel on ADAP chair. issues met to discuss the waiting period at the Polucci, who is a vice president and director James R. Thompson Center. Members of the pan- of interior design with the global architectural el, which includes state and local officials, made firm HOK, was Vital Bridges’ vice chairman of the clear that Illinois would not join the 12 other board for the past two years and has been a states that currently have ADAP waiting lists, volunteer with Vital Bridges for more than five a total that affects more than 2,000 HIV/AIDS years. He has chaired the organization’s croquet patients nationwide. Illinois ADAP Director Jef- event for the past two years. frey Maras said the implementation of a wait list Polucci replaces Ron Nunziato, whose ten- was once thought to be “inevitable,” but that ure ended July 1. Read Windy City Times’ in- the receipt of millions of dollars in ADAP-based terview with Nunziato at www.windycityme- supplemental and Ryan White CARE Act funding, diagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE. along with budget-conscious administrative de- php?AID=26917. cisions, saved the state from having to usher in

HOWARD from cover

facilitate HBHC’s management of The Brown El- ephant, the organization’s thrift store that is a significant source of revenue. The Point Foundation has provided scholarships for LGBT students pursuing a variety of There is the pending matter of the review. career fields, some of whom, upon , have been kicked out by their families. According to Schreiber, “the NIH [National Donors, scholarship recipients and Point Foundation executives and employees attended a Institutes of Health] agreed to allow Howard summer soiree July 17 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to honor the group’s latest Brown to conduct its own internal investiga- crop of scholars and to continue to raise money for those in need. Among the attendees was tion, using outside counsel and forensic audi- Alderman , who spoke in place of Mayor Richard Daley. tors. As part of this review, Howard Brown also One of the foundation’s newest scholarship recipients, Natalie Brilmyer, described be- offered to look into its other federal grants, coming a Point scholar as “really exciting” and “kind of surreal.” Brilmyer, who faced in order to ensure a complete and exhaustive rejection from her family upon coming out to them, said the experience has been “the best review.” She informed WCT that “we … expect thing that could happen” to her during her college career. Brilmyer studies fashion design to be in a position to publicly discuss the mat- and fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Kevin Ferenchak, a graduate of ter further” after HBHC shares its findings with Loyola University Chicago, said the best part about being a Point scholar is the mentoring the NIH “in the coming weeks.” No exact date services provided by the organization. is available at this point. The NIH was con- Mark Cozzi, a three-year member of the foundation’s board of regents, told Windy City tacted for more details, and only sent a brief Times that his inspiration for being involved with the organization has everything to do response: “It is NIH policy to neither confirm with the students it serves. “It’s inspiring to meet people who are super-bright,” Cozzi nor deny that a review has been initiated or is said. “It is unfathomable to me that people would mistreat kids who are LGBT. Some of underway.” them have been traumatized and brutalized. I think we have a moral obligation to help In May, Edwards had told WCT that he was them,” he added. Text by Mason Harrison; photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotogra- “not part of the culture of the past” of HBHC phy.com) Many more images can be seen at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com but part of its “culture of integrity,” Asked this time what he was doing to change the culture at Howard Brown, he responded that there was no need to change the “remarkable” culture of Jamal Edwards. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald Thursday, July 29 the organization; the issue had been that “in- (MysticImagesPhotography.com) 7:30 p.m. dividuals had departed” from that “culture of Nancy Worssam, ed., and integrity” and the task now was to return to Kelly Kleiman, contributor. that culture and to “re-develop” the mission of as the contact person on HBHC’s website. In Our Prime: Empowering the organization. He said that part of his work Asked why this was the case, both Edwards Essays by Women on in that regard was underway as he went about and Schreiber responded that Winger Market- Love, Family, Career, “getting information from staff and community ing had been working with HBHC for the past Aging, and Just Coping and various advisory boards,” such as that of two years (with Schreiber noting that it did the Lesbian Community Care Project. so at a “substantially reduced rate”) and that Friday, July 30 In May, both Paul Fairchild, then-interim Rolfe, according to Schreiber, is also “responsi- 7:30 p.m. chief operating officer, and Edwards had spo- ble for the business development of the Brown W. Bruce Cameron Have your ken of having had meetings with “major do- Elephant operations as his primary responsibil- A Dog’s Purpose: nors,” and there was no indication of them ity.” A Novel for Humans premiums having met with members of the larger com- Judging from the continuing responses and munity that the organization served. Asked if conversations taking place around town (and increased he would now consider a community meeting, the letters received at this paper), the Chi- Edwards responded that “we hope to do that” cago LGBT community is still waiting for a full 5233 N. Clark but that HBHC is not yet in a position to do so account of exactly what transpired at HBHC. (773) 769-9299 recently? until they have all the facts and the review is Clearly, it wants an assurance that such an in- complete. cident will not happen again before it rests its See me: In an unusual move that was criticized by faith in a “culture of integrity” at the orga- Charles T. Rhodes, community members, HBHC has been commu- nization. Edwards said that the organization’s Agent nicating with the public on this matter only service to the community had not faltered. He through an outside public-relations firm, Wing- pointed to the services that HBHC continues to 2472 N. Clark er Marketing, even though it has a director of provide to 500 primary care patients; the test- [email protected] 773.281.0890 communications, Donald Rolfe, on staff. (When ing of 650 people; and the 500 homeless and www.womenandchildrenfirst.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company WCT contacted Edwards for an interview, it was at-risk youth with whom it has worked. Windy Parking Available (not in NJ) State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Schreiber who responded.) Schreiber is listed City Times will continue to follow this story. Wheelchair Accessible Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois July 21, 2010 9 screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, in an e-mail to offices. As a result, the police put the whole area —Absent (5): Cameroon, Congo, Guinea-Bis- WORLD California gay leader Rick Jacobs. “The worst was in total lockdown.” sau, Iraq and Saint Lucia when a mob threw two large, homemade percus- Earlier in the day, another group of some 25 In a response to the United Nations Economic sion-style bombs over the police line and onto activists staged an unannounced gay march for and Social Council granting the U.S.-based In- ROUNDUP our float. When the second exploded, pieces of 10 minutes on a downtown pedestrian street. It by rex wockner ternational Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Com- it struck both (my boyfriend) Frank and I and ended when police blocked their path and the mission, President Obama issued a statement. left me deaf in one ear for about an hour.” marchers ran away. Obama said, “I welcome this important step Argentina legalizes Black said police charged into the group from Moscow Pride organizers have sued over Lu- forward for human rights, as the International which the explosives emerged and restrained zhkov’s bans in a series of cases that have been Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Commission (IL- same-sex marriage and beat the counterprotesters. merged at the European Court of Human Rights. GHRC) will take its rightful seat at the table of Argentina legalized same-sex marriage July Other participants praised the event’s policing, A ruling is expected within months. the United Nations. The UN was founded on the 15. said they did not feel threatened, and hailed the premise that only through mutual respect, di- The vote in the Senate at 4:05 a.m. was 33-27 parade’s arrival behind the former Iron Curtain. —Assistance: Bill Kelley versity, and dialogue can the international com- with 3 abstentions. “It’s incredibly positive that this pan-Europe- munity effectively pursue justice and equality. The lower house previously passed the bill an event is now taking place in a former Com- Today, with the more full inclusion of the Inter- and, at press time, President Cristina Fernández munist country,” said Ulrike Lunacek, co-presi- national Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Commis- de Kirchner was planning to sign it in a July 21 dent of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on IGLHRC wins sion, the United Nations is closer to the ideals ceremony at the Casa Rosada. LGBT Rights. “Not only does it constitute a very on which it was founded, and to values of inclu- “The bill has passed. It is law. The executive important signal for Eastern Europe that men- official UN status sion and equality to which the United States is power will be notified,” the Senate president talities do slowly change, but it also shows how The full United Nations Economic and Social deeply committed.” said as the vote was displayed on an electronic membership of the European Union can facili- Council (ECOSOC) voted in favor of a U.S.-led According to a press release from the White board in the chamber. tate this change.” resolution to grant the International Gay and House Media Affairs Office, Rosemary A. DiCarlo, The debate lasted nearly 15 hours. Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Alekseev said: Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) U.S. deputy permanent representative to the “The result sparked euphoria among the (LGBT) “The police did an incredible job. ... We felt very consultative status on July 19, according to an United Nations, supported IGLHRC by discuss- activists who, despite the polar wave that grips safe at all times, even when we left the parade IGLHRC press release. IGLHRC is only the tenth ing the organization’s roles during the debate the city, held a vigil in the Plaza of the Two Con- at the end.” organization working primarily for LGBT rights to on IGLHRC’s status, saying, “Mr. President, for gresses,” said Buenos Aires’ Clarín newspaper. Other events included ILGA-Europe’s “LGBT gain such status at the United Nations. over 20 years, the IGLHRC has been a respected The Web site of Argentina’s main political gay Family Exhibition - Different Families, Same “Today’s decision is an affirmation that the human rights organization dedicated to combat- group, la Federación Argentina LGBT, was booted Love” at the National Library from July 8 to 18 voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen- ing discrimination based on sexual orientation from the Internet and replaced with a “Band- and an LGBT film festival, “Celluloid Ars Homo der people have a place at the United Nations and gender identity. While it is registered in the width Limit Exceeded” notice. Erotica.” as part of a vital civil society community,” said United States, it also has offices in Argentina, “Today’s historic vote shows how far Catholic The EP Intergroup said that although Poland Cary Alan Johnson, IGLHRC’s executive director. South Africa and the Philippines. By promoting Argentina has come, from dictatorship to true joined the EU in 2004, it “still fails to provide “The clear message here is that these voices the implementation of human rights treaties, democratic values, and how far the freedom-to- LGBT people with adequate legal protection or should not be silenced and that human rights it already has made a significant contribution marry movement has come as 12 countries on address omnipresent homophobia.” cannot be denied on the basis of sexual orienta- to supporting the UN Charter and the work of four continents now embrace marriage equality,” “Polish authorities also refuse to recognize tion or gender identity.” this Council. It assists non-governmental orga- said Evan Wolfson, head of the U.S. group Free- same-sex unions registered abroad, and prevent The resolution passed with 23 in favor and 13 nizations to prepare and submit documentation dom to Marry. their citizens from entering a same-sex union against, with 13 abstentions and five absences. to the Universal Periodic Review of the Human “Key to Argentina’s human rights achievement abroad,” the group said. “Polish authorities have This victory is particularly significant, coming Rights Council, the UN Special procedures, and was strong leadership from legislators and the illegally banned LGBT human rights campaigners as it does after a prolonged three-year appli- UN treaty bodies. president. It is time we see more of our own from marching publicly.” cation process in the subcommittee that makes elected officials standing up for the Constitution The late Polish President Lech Kaczynski, as initial recommendations on status. and all families here in the United States,” Wolf- then-mayor of Warsaw, banned gay pride in Gunmen kills 17 son said. “America should lead, not lag, when The U.S. government stood strongly behind 2005, leading to a 2007 ruling against the na- IGLHRC’s application, calling for a vote in both at gay party it comes to treating everyone equally under the tion by the European Court of Human Rights. law.” the NGO Committee and ECOSOC. Ambassador in Mexico Next year’s Europride will be in Rome. Susan Rice, U.S. permanent representative to The International Lesbian and Gay Association Gunmen burst into a birthday party at a ho- the United Nations, publicly backed IGLHRC’s called the bill’s passage a “triumph.” tel in Torreon, Mexico, on July 18, blocked the application. Additionally, 14 members of Con- “Today, there is definitely more freedom and Court OKs Moscow doors and silently killed 17 men and women, ac- gress and four senators sent letters of support equality in the world thanks to Argentina: an cording to a Los Angeles Times article. mayor’s calling to all UN Member States for IGLHRC’s applica- example for the many countries in Southern and Among the dead was the person in whose hon- tion. Among them were Sen. John Kerry, chair Northern hemispheres which still consider les- gays ‘faggots’ or the party was held, a man known as “Mota,” bian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people as of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, A libel suit filed by Moscow Pride against the New York Times reported. second-class citizens,” said ILGA Co-Secretary and Congressman Howard Berman, vhair of the Mayor Yuri Luzhkov over his having called gays The shootists also injured a similar number of General Renato Sabbadini. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. “faggots” (“gomiki”) was dismissed by the Mos- people. City officials said the first wedding will take The votes on this resolution granting IGLHRC cow City Court on July 2. It previously had been Authorities recovered more than 120 spent place Aug. 13 in Buenos Aires’ trendy Palermo special consultative status were as follows: rejected by the Tverskoi District Court. shells. area. A longtime gay couple in their 60s will tie —Votes for (23): Argentina, Australia, Bel- Pride leader Nikolai Alekseev said the group The invitation to the party was sent via Face- the knot at the office where they were turned gium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Estonia, Finland, will appeal to the European Court of Human book by a gay-rights group; however, the page away when they tried to marry three years ago. France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Liech- Rights. invited everyone to the event, regardless of Same-sex marriage is legal in Argentina, Bel- tenstein, Malta, Norway, Peru, Poland, Rep. of The group had wanted Luzhkov to apologize sexual orientation. This fact raised speculation gium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Korea, Slovenia, United Kingdom, United States for using the slur and pay 1 kopeck in damages that the killings were anti-gay crimes; however, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Mexico and Uruguay (about three-hundredths of a cent). some feel that drug traffickers were the killers. City, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New —Votes against (13): Bangladesh, China, The mayor made the remark on television in It was one of the highest single-incident Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. Comoros, Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, June 2009 while vowing that he would never death tolls since Mexico’s drug war started when Niger, Pakistan, Russian Fed., Saudi Arabia, Ven- authorize a gay parade in the city. President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive ezuela and Zambia “Public morality does not accept those fag- against cartels in December 2006. First Europride —Abstaining (13): Bahamas, Cote D’Ivoire, gots,” Luzhkov reportedly said. “Other people In late January, 10 people were killed at a bar in eastern Europe will simply kill them.” Ghana, India, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, in Torreon, according to JusticeInMexico.word- Europride, which has roamed from country Luzhkov has banned the pride parade for five Philippines, Rep. of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint press.com.com. to country since 1992, was staged in Eastern years and has sent riot police to aggressively Kitts, Turkey and Ukraine Europe for the first time this year, culminating arrest small groups of activists who have defied with the July 17 parade through the streets of the bans. Warsaw. He also has called gay pride parades “satanic” Around 8,000 people took part in the march and, reportedly, “weapons of mass destruction.” despite temperatures near 40 C (above 100 F). LGBT people managed to stage two small, brief Some previous Europrides in Western Europe pride marches in Moscow this year despite an- have attracted up to 1 million celebrants. other ban. Join us in the effort to The Warsaw parade’s main demand was that For the main event, organizers misled hun- Poland pass a civil-partnership law for same-sex dreds of riot police and undercover officers to a stop HIV. couples. fake location. Men who are between 18-45 Around 2,000 police officers protected the “The march was relatively short, around five marchers from more than 200 anti-gay protest- minutes, but we managed to fool the police and years old and HIV negative can ers, who threw bottles of water, rocks, eggs and the anti-pride protesters,” Alekseev said. take action by volunteering in Bibles at the parade, participants said. At least British gay activist Peter Tatchell, who joined an HIV vaccine study. Volunteers eight counterdemonstrators were arrested for the march, said: “Pride organizers fed the police HOPE TAKES ACTION throwing things, damaging flags or, in at least a steady stream of false information, via blogs receive reimbursement for time one case, assaulting a cop. and websites, concerning the location of the pa- Call 312-413-5897 and travel. You can’t get HIV “The protesters were numerous and incredibly rade. They suggested that it would take place www.HopeTakesAction.org from the vaccine. violent,” said American gay activist and “Milk” outside the EU (European Union) Commission’s

505_Chicago_Windy City Times.indd 1 12/16/09 1:30:05 PM 10 July 21, 2010

VIEWPOINT VOL. 25, No. 42, July 21, 2010 The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, people I interviewed observes: “The pictures you I am a lesbian, and I used to be a car mechanic founded May 1987. see of the steel mills, you think of some big, before I became a writer and a professor. I’m ANNE tough, strong, burly guy. It’s so embedded in disappointed that most books and films about PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR your mind that it has to be a guy, it has to be gay America focus on urban professional white Tracy Baim BALAY tough, and it has to be straight.” What is it like people. We know that the queer experience is ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky to be lesbian, gay, bi, or trans, and work in this much more varied than that. MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis kind of setting? During the past year, I have interviewed 10 BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit In the early stages of this project, I found no brave steelworkers (half of them male, half of DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright answers to my questions in libraries or archives. them female). My format is very open. The steel- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy Matheny, A queer These contain no record of queer steelworkers— worker usually leads, telling the story of what Kirk Williamson the existing documents imply that gay people they do at the mill, their struggles and triumphs PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes don’t even exist in the mills. I just don’t believe both in and out of the mill, and how it feels to NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson steelworkers that. I know that gay people are everywhere. be so invisible. One summarized, “I have to lie NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie We need to eat just like everybody else, so if because I don’t know how safe I am, and I live J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, project a good job opens up, we apply. Therefore, gay in a country that won’t tell me how safe I am.” Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia steelworkers exist, but their work environment Others are less cautious, but all, all live in fear. THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan Steelworkers and LGBT working people are both is so hostile that they choose to remain invis- “It’s like a punch in the stomach,” concluded CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair largely invisible, which is why I am working on a ible. another steelworker. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS project trying to uncover this important part of I am looking for LGBT steelworkers who are I respect anyone willing to tell me your story, Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, our movement. And I am asking for your help. willing to describe their work, their lives, their and my book will communicate your experiences Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, Steel mills are huge, yet those who often pass struggles and their survival strategies. If you to the world. You deserve to be heard, and the Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Susie by them on the highway seem not to notice tell me your story, I will not disclose your name, public needs to know that you are out there. Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Lisa their existence, and don’t realize that people or any revealing details about where or when Please call me at 219-980-6575 or e-mail aba- Keen, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, work there. Since I teach in Gary, Ind., I want you worked. Retired or laid-off steel workers are [email protected]. Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John to know who works in the mills and what that also welcome. I plan to write a book based on Anne Balay is a professor at the Indiana Fenoglio, Chuck Colbert, Micki Leventhal, Sarah Toce, Rachel Pepper environment is like for gay workers. One of the your stories. University Northwest in Gary. PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia decided to tell the doctors the truth—he was vice, student deferments and, yes, even the 4F CIRCULATION CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright gay. “unfit for service” category. According to Univer- DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, JEFF So the day came. He recollected, “I filled out sity of Washington research, toward the end of Sue and Victor the medical questionnaire and checked the ‘ho- the Vietnam draft there were more conscientious FULTON mosexual’ box as affirmative. Just before you ac- objectors than draftees. An estimated 100,000 tually took the physical, the form was reviewed men fled the country—70,000 to Canada alone, Copyright 2010 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media and they wrote on the front in big red letters, a number representing about 15 percent of those Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). ‘sexual deviant’. It was horrible. actually drafted. In the end less than 10 percent Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, “So here I was, now stripped down to my un- of the Vietnam generation served in the war. and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. derpants in a long line with other inductees, go- As for John, he said he never heard from the All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy DADT: A ing from station to station for various medical draft board again, and never experienced any of City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing tests. We were told we must hold the packet of the threatened repercussions. But he had been and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, forms out in front of us for all to see. There was true to himself and the system—“telling,” even cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own historical and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City no way I could hide the big red letters posted though the truth was scorned and discouraged. Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of on the front. It was obvious that it was meant It’s an interesting historical perspective, given a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy perspective to not only embarrass, but humiliate me. It was the debate today. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While and still is the most humiliating day in my life. Jeff Fulton is a freelance writer specializing we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make While gays around the country rally against I can remember a couple of guys discussing my in travel and baby boomer culture. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies, military chief- situation in line behind me, and one said, ‘Well I responsibility for advertising claims. tains stumble over each other with some sup- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 can only say it takes guts,’ so that made me feel e-mail: [email protected] porting and some opposing any changes. Con- a bit better.” Letter gressmen do the same, some expressing open But the ordeal was not over. At the end of the Pride at a price www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com opposition to any gays in the military. Under line, when other guys were told to proceed to radio: WindyCityQueercast.com current law, if a soldier “tells,” he or she is sim- dress, he was siphoned off to another room; still Every Gay Pride parade, a group of homopho- video: QueerTVNetwork.com ply booted out. But just a few decades ago the with the red “sexual deviant” notice in hand, bic, bible-toting, hate-filled zealots who call policy was almost inverted, at least in practice. WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, he was asked embarrassing details about his themselves “street preachers” camp out near 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA Unlike today, the Army would explicitly ask, but gay life for about 30 minutes. Fortunately, he the corner of Cambridge and Diversey to ha- (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) really did not want an inductee to tell the truth. had a statement from his doctor referencing the rass, intimidate and preach hate against our Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. They wanted masses in the military, and prom- counseling he had received. In the end the Army community. As the colorful Pride bands, floats ised to make life miserable if a recruit told them Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. representative signed the exemption but warned and marchers pass by, the street preach- Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now anything that might exempt them from service. him this black mark—being labeled a “homosex- ers subject us to their hate-filled messages: online only For most gays wanting to serve, the choice was ual” in government selective service records— “HOMOSEX IS SIN,” “THE WAGES OF SIN ARE Deadline The 10th of month prior. easy. Simply check the “homosexual” box on the would remain with him the rest of this life, and OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE DEATH,” “GOD ABHORS YOU”—ad nauseam. To www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com medical form as “no,” and it was fast-forward to could have dire consequences. It was obvious he its credit, Gay Liberation Network (GLN) has military life. Yes it was a lie, but no one really wanted him to deny his sexual orientation. been there every year to answer them back in seemed to care and, after all, they were signing Indeed, the military doctor did have reason a spirited, vituperative fashion with gay-af- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com up to defend the country ... and thousands of for the warning. Men rejected at the exam for www.WindyCityQueercast.com firming banners and bullhorn in hand, eclips- www.QueerTVNetwork.com gay men served with distinction and honor. But physical, mental or “sexual” reasons were sent ing (to some extent) the hate-speech and vi- what happened if someone told the truth, and back to their local draft board, where they were suals of the enemy. This year, apparently, GLN marked “yes?” “Windy City Media Group generated given a “4F” designation—unfit for military ser- struck a nerve with the Chicago cops who, enormous interest among their readers I never met a guy who said “yes” until recent- vice. Stigma associated with 4F often resulted with taxpayer money, protect and defend the in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index ly, and it was during the late ‘60s, when Viet- in severe job and social discrimination, particu- hatemongers. I was offended by, among other Survey. Out of approximately 100 nam raged. It is true that he did not want to larly during World War II, when almost all young things, the bigots’ story-high placards telling print and online media partners who go to Vietnam, but that was not unusual. Yes, men who remained stateside were assumed to me and the friends whom I marched with that participated in the survey, Windy there were those that volunteered, but about be unfit, or “4F.” Negative 4F stigma still ex- we should be put to death. City was the best performing regional a third were involuntarily drafted during that isted during Vietnam, especially in small towns Adding insult to injury are the Chicago cops media in the U.S. Only survey partners war—650,000 in all. And, warrior or not, many where draft boards leaked word about individu- telling our community how to behave and this with a nationwide footprint were of those were sent to the war zone—and some als. But during the Vietnam era—with more than year—in 2010—insisting our activist broth- able to generate a greater number of into actual combat. 60 percent of young men exempted from military ers and sisters cease and desist their peaceful responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research “John” had just completed a five-year archi- duty for reasons ranging from study to occupa- protest. Now GLN faces a $1,000 fine. Director, Community Marketing, Inc. tecture program at a Pennsylvania university tion, and countless others openly avoiding the Please join us in solidarity with Gay Lib- during the height of the Vietnam War. He had draft—selective service status became less obvi- eration Network in court on Monday, Aug. 2, been engaged to be married, but soon realized ous. at 1:30 p.m. at 400 W. Superior, Room #101, it did not feel right, and that, in fact, he was In fact, we now know John was in great com- Chicago. The fact that a group of pro-gay gay. Intense counseling designed to rid him of pany. Destined to become presidents, vice presi- activists counterprotesting anti-gay bigotry any same-sex feelings followed but did not work dents, congressmen, talk-show hosts and other within the bounds of the law should have to and, as a result, the engagement and relation- prominent individuals, these then “not-too-fa- face a $1,000 fine is an outrage. ship ended. It was just after that event that the mous” young men quietly escaped Vietnam ser- induction’s physical-exam notice arrived from vice, along with thousands of average citizens. Craig Teichen the local draft board. Scarcely out of unsuccess- Tactics included alternative National Guard ser- Citizens for Gay Action ful counseling, would he lie or tell the truth? He July 21, 2010 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Jerry Nunn FAIR ESSENCE From left: Katie Todd, Emily Robison, Sarah McLachlan, Martie McGuire, Kristen May and Melissa McClellan sang at Lilith Fair. See page 19. MOVIES MUSIC SPORTS ‘Salt’ of the earth. ‘Girls’ power. Cleveland, rocky. Page 17. Page 14. Page 22.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Photo courtesy of Doug Anderson

SCOTTISH their mother, while Kristoffer Diaz’s The Elabo- since 1981, when Krainik died in 1997. PLAY SCOTT rate Entrance of Chad Deity found a clever way During Mason’s time at the Lyric, he has over- to combine current U.S. race relations with pro- seen more than 120 productions (more than 40 fessional wrestling. (The latter was also a final- of them new), and helped maintain the Lyric’s Chicago arts ist for this year’s Pulitzer Prize in Drama.) solid fiscal foundation. (Twenty-two of the past Zacek was at Radio City Music Hall in New 23 seasons have operated in the black.) shake-up York to collect the theater’s 2001 Tony Award “I think two years from now will be the right BY SCOTT C. MORGAN for Excellence in Regional Theater. And Zacek time to turn the reins over to a new general also oversaw Victory Gardens’ move in 2006 to director,” said Mason in a prepared statement. Two titans of the Chicago performing arts scene the famed Biograph Theater following an $11.8- “And I look forward to working with the Board recently announced their forthcoming retire- million renovation. on finding a successor to lead this great com- ments. Zacek plans to stay on with Victory Gardens in pany.” Victory Gardens Theater Artistic Director Den- the new role of artistic director emeritus and re- Now there might not be any clear candidates nis Zacek plans to step down at the end of the main active as a director, actor and board mem- for Lyric if they want to hire from within again, 2010-11 season, while Lyric Opera of Chicago ber. although I did see someone on an opera chat General Director William Mason plans to retire at “After 34 years with Victory Gardens, I look site suggest Gianna Rolandi. The retired soprano the end of the 2011-12 season. forward to my continued involvement with the is not only the director of The Patrick G. and The majority of both men’s careers have been theater in a new capacity,” Zacek said in a pre- Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center for young artists, tied to their respective Windy City organizations, pared statement. “Even John Wayne knew when but also wife to music director Sir Andrew Da- and both have contributed greatly to building to get off the horse and on to the buckboard.” vis. Chicago’s world-class reputation for theater and Yet Zacek hasn’t been silent about his choice While I don’t know if Rolandi would want the opera. Both Victory Gardens and the Lyric are for his successor: Associate Artistic Director job, her selection would tie into the Lyric’s long commencing nationwide searches for successors, Sandy Shinner. She has been with the company history of mostly women and insiders running but Zacek and Mason probably have their own in a variety of roles since 1979, and Shinner the company. takes on why hiring from within is a good idea. would certainly know the ins and outs of Victory Gardens from years of firsthand experience. Changes at Next Victory Gardens in full bloom If Victory Gardens does hire an outsider, hope- Next Theatre Company in Evanston has just While the Goodman Theatre is famed largely fully the company will avoid the nasty artistic named Chicago actress and arts administrator for its directing talent and the Steppenwolf The- spat that developed between the new artistic Jennifer Avery as the interim artistic director atre’s acting ensemble gets most of the atten- director of American Theater Company and its and Jim Davis as the producing director. tion, it’s playwrights who get to shine at Victory longtime acting ensemble (who then split to Former artistic director Jason Southerland was Gardens. With 34 years at the artistic helm of form its own company, American Blues The- removed by the board of directors in May due to Victory Gardens (and directing more than 250 ater). allegations of plagiarism and rights issues sur- productions), Zacek was instrumental in building rounding Next’s production of Return to Haifa. the theater’s 14-member Playwright Ensemble, The Lyric goes on Managing Director Kevin Heckman also recent- which includes such writers as James Sherman William Mason is only the third general direc- ly announced his departure. William Mason. Photo by Dan Rest (Beau Jest), Claudia Allen (Hannah Free), Jef- tor in the 56-year history of the Lyric Opera of “I have tons of faith that the board, Jenny frey Sweet (Flyovers) and Nilo Cruz (the Pulitzer mission for the Four Seasons Restaurant in the Chicago. And like his predecessor, Ardis Krainik, and Jim will lead Next through these changes Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics). Seagram Building. The London import also won Mason was hired from within the company. and I have offered to help in the transition in Victory Gardens has received even more artistic five other Tony Awards. But Mason has connections with the Lyric any way that I can,” Heckman said in a prepared and accolade-filled raves. And recently, two Victory Gardens world pre- stretching back to its founding by then-General statement. “Next has been a fantastic place to At this year’s Tony Awards, Victory Gardens mieres from its first IGNITION festival dedicated Manager Carol Fox back in 1954. Mason sang call home. I look forward to joining them in the playwright John Logan won the Tony Award for to minority playwrights graced off-Broadway. with the Lyric’s children’s chorus in its first few future as a patron and an artist.” Best Play for Red, a two-man drama looking at Michael Golamco’s Year Zero was about a Cam- seasons, and later was director of operations Please send any theater related news and artist Mark Rothko and his dilemma over a com- bodian-American family coping with the loss of (artistic and production) for 16 years. Mason other tidbits to scottishplayscott@yahoo. succeeded Krainik, the Lyric’s general director com and [email protected]. 12 July 21, 2010 THEATER REVIEW Elton John and CRITICS’ PICKS Tim Rice’s Aida The Farnsworth Invention, TimeLine Playwright: book by Linda Woolverton, Theatre, through July 24. Philo Farnsworth David Henry Hwang & Robert Falls, invented TV but RCA mogul David Sarnoff music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice exploited it. In this sharp play and crack- At: Bailiwick Chicago ling production they are visionaries, com- (fka Bailiwick Repertory Theater) at petitors, enemies and American archetypes. American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron JA Phone: 866-811-4111; $25-$35 Fucking Men, Bailiwick Chicago at Stage Runs through: Aug. 1 Tom Irwin and Kate Arrington in A Parallelogram. Photo by Michael Brosilow 773, extended through Aug. 8. Joe DiPiet- ro’s modern-day gay reworking of Schnitlz- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE and men wearing sweaty bare chests. Rashada Is Bee 2 real? If she is real, is she correct er’s daisy-chain sex comedy La Ronde may Dawan and Brandon Chandler make a touching when she tells still-hopeful Bee that changing not have any major new insights on man- When Guiseppe Verdi’s opera premiered in Khe- pair of star-crossed lovers, the intimacy of the the present will not alter the future? To prove on-man coupling, but his observations of divial Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, in 1871, the ATC space allowing for character-driven nuances the point Bee 2 (and, later, Bee herself) uses a what goes on emotionally underneath will triumphal procession scene included among its absent in larger venues, while the progress of TV remote control to repeat moments just played certainly resonate with its target audience. ranks live horses, camels and elephants. The Adrianna Parson’s Amneris from selfish vanity out. Sure enough, even when Bee changes what SCM 1998 world-premiere production of Elton John to responsible leadership lends weight to the she says or does, the outcome remains the Lookingglass Alice, Lookingglass Theatre and Tim Rice’s pop-musical adaptation at Atlan- themes explored in this agelessly modern myth. same. Company, through Aug. 1. This is a circus- ta’s Alliance Theatre featured a six-ton segment- Under Tony Award-winning director Anna D. like version of Lewis Carroll that kids will ed pyramid, and the 1999 pre-Broadway tryout THEATER REVIEW Shapiro, A Parallelogram is sharply acted, es- like, but with adult psychological depths inaugurating Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre pecially by Tom Irwin as Jay, whose convincing such as repeated images of burial and res- featured a burial scene incorporating a tomb A Parallelogram throw-away naturalism and brisk cue pick-ups urrection. It marks a return visit of the suspended above the stage that malfunctioned Playwright: Bruce Norris propel the performance, even in quiet moments. troupe’s signature show. JA. one night, plummeting eight feet to the ground At: Steppenwolf Downstairs As Bee 2, Marylouise Burke has excellent comic The Ruby Sunrise, Gift Theatre at Theatre and sending the actors within to the hospital. Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted instincts, but simply isn’t loud enough in the on the Lake, July 28-Aug. 1. Broadcast tele- Bailiwick Chicago, however, has only a six-piece Tickets: 312-335-1650; spotty acoustics of the 500-seat theatre. Kate vision was born of parents filled with hope orchestra; an assortment of lighted slides and www.steppenwolf.org/boxoffice; $50-$70 Arrington, slowly melting down before us, and for their child’s future—so says playwright stencils; and a brief, but fully realized fashion Runs through: Aug. 29 Tim Bickel complete the cast, respectively, as Rinne Groff in her romantic and speculative parade featuring the winners of a design com- Bee and JJ, a Latino gardener and Bee’s lover look at the unlikely pioneers who forged the petition sponsored by the producers specifically BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL after Jay. The play’s three locations are given an empire we nowadays take for granted. MSB for that purpose. austere (large rooms with little furniture) beige Ironically, a budget prohibiting extravagant “Yesterday upon the stair, I met a man who treatment by designer Todd Rosenthal, who ac- —By Abarbanel, Barnidge (but too frequently inert) spectacle works to wasn’t there ...” complishes surprise instant set changes via re- and Morgan the advantage of this poignantly romantic tale. Bruce Norris’ new play is a Theater of the Ab- volving platforms and trapdoors. Our play begins in a museum where a tour guide surd cousin of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame and Norris writes pithy, smart and ironic dialogue introduces the story of Aida, a Nubian princess Harold Pinter’s The Dumbwaiter. Norris has but he also has made Bee a nearly passive fig- way of killing an unpublished magazine expose taken prisoner by an Egyptian captain, Radames, constructed a closed, Godless universe without ure who does nothing substantial to control her of the adulterous dalliances of the Lord patri- and given as a slave to his betrothed, the frivo- spiritual essence; an uncaring and unfathom- own destiny. We learn little about Bee, who has arch. lous Amneris. A bond soon arises between cap- able cosmos in which the future is hopeless no past and very little history. Combine that Now the flighty nature of Tracy isn’t really that tor and captured, even as the former’s ambitious and there’s no discernible reason for existence, with her self-absorbed unconcern about the ap- disturbing, since so many modern-day rom-com father plots to rule over the kingdom, and the thus rendering life absurd. I don’t know if Norris’ proaching global plague, and Bee becomes more films feature heroines who are equally as fickle. latter’s oppressed countrymen rally to their re- world view really is so bleak and existential, but pitiable than likeable. What’s sure to rub modern audiences the wrong luctant sovereign. With no escape from their pa- his plays tend to go in that direction, making A Norris ends the play precisely as it began, re- way is the forced scene where Tracy is shamed triotic duties, the unhappy couple must embrace Parallelogram perhaps an odd choice to conclude peating the opening lines—an homage to an- into forgiving her father’s extramarital trans- an untimely death, vowing with their last breath a Steppenwolf season devoted to plays that ex- other absurdist work, Eugene Ionesco’s The Bald gressions. It doesn’t help that Tom Viskocil’s to reunite in a happier world to come. And as amine faith. Soprano. weak fatherly performance gives almost nothing we return to the present, we see their prophecy The issue of faith revolves around Bee, an at- for Laura McClain’s sharp-eyed Tracy to play off manifest itself. tractive woman living with Jay, at least 20 years THEATER REVIEWS of. Under the direction of Scott Ferguson, orches- older, who has left his wife and kids for her. But other than this galling moment (and the tra director Robert Ollis, vocal director Jimmy While out shopping, Bee meets an older, fatter, The Philadelphia fact that Tracy ends up with a known domestic Morehead and co-choreographers Gary Abbott slovenly version of herself whom only Bee can abuser), most everything else about this period and Kevin Iega Jeff, Elton John and Tim Rice’s see and hear. Bee 2 (the older version) matter- Story piece revival sparkles under Jim Schneider’s di- cumbersome libretto has been whittled down of-factly lays out a disastrous future 25 years Playwright: Philip Barry rection. Aside from the elder male roles, the cast to a tidy two and a half hours with no reduc- hence in which a plague kills off most of the At: Circle Theatre, 5300 W. is uniformly polished in delivering the necessary tion of the elements we expect of its genre— earth’s population. She also tells Bee she soon Madison, Forest Park screwball style. soaring harmonies in a variety of contemporary will lose Jay. “Why does he leave me?” she asks. Phone: 708-771-0700; $22-$24 Once again, Bob Knuth has come up trumps styles, athletic Afrocentric dances, women wear- “Because you’re losing your mind,” Bee 2 tells Runs through: Sept. 5 with his gorgeous drawing room set that screams ing Ricky Lurie’s dazzling period-inspired frocks her. wealth, while Elizabeth Wislar’s period costumes are sumptuous. Escape from A far less glamorous setting is the Dawson Happiness family kitchen for Canadian playwright George Playwright: George F. Walker F. Walker’s Escape from Happiness, and it’s one At: Infamous Commonwealth Theatre that I’m sure many will want to flee from long SPOTLIGHT at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark before its overlong two-and-a-half-hour running Phone: 312-458-9780; $15-$20 time concludes. Runs through Aug. 8 Now I can understand why Infamous Common- wealth wanted to produce Escape from Happi- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN ness, since it deals with the topical subject of Second City alumna Amanda Blake Davis directs police brutality. It also offers company member Shoot Faster, Dear Brother, I’m Dying! (A Civil It’s likely that anyone who has ever been Nancy Friedrich another outstanding opportu- War Comedy), which is a defiantly historically schooled in feminist principles will be troubled nity to play a squeaky eccentric like in a past inaccurate comedy written and performed by Joe by both The Philadelphia Story and Escape from production of Betty’s Summer Vacation. Anderson and Demian Krentz. See what wackiness Happiness, two quirky family comedies currently But these noble plusses are outweighed by the transpires when two brothers’ relationship is test- and respectively staged around Chicago by Circle overall shrillness of the piece and unflattering ed over a series of letters during the dying days of Theatre and Infamous Commonwealth Theatre. depictions of women, who are either annoyingly the Civil War. Shoot Faster, Dear Brother, I’m Dy- Philip Barry’s Philadelphia Story gets off a lit- mentally unstable or conspiratorially duplicitous. ing! (A Civil War Comedy) plays 8 p.m. Thursdays tle more lightly since its pre-feminist Broadway Even the level-headed lesbian lawyer daughter through Saturdays until July 31 at the Apollo The- origins stretch back to 1939. (The Hollywood of Elizabeth (Jennifer Mathews) is blind to the atre Studio, 2540 N. Lincoln. Tickets are $15 ($11 film immortalizing performances by Katharine literal torture she deploys (a major character for students and seniors). Call 773-935-6100 or Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart followed flaw, since her practice targets exposing police visit www.shootfaster.com for more information. in 1940.) brutality). Demian Krentz in “Shoot Faster, Dear Brother, I’m As any fan of classic screwball comedies knows, Director Genevieve Thompson and her cast Dying!” by Erin Nekervis The Philadelphia Story focuses on the wealthy rarely get the right grip on the material, but Lord family as its once-divorced daughter, Tracy, Walker’s screechy and unwieldy script is the ma- must cope with a visiting magazine reporter and jor fault. Escape from Happiness is aptly named, photographer on her wedding day as a tit-for-tat but in the most ironic and unfortunate sense. windy 0721 parallelogram:Layout 1 7/15/10 4:19 PM Page 1 July 21, 2010 13 THEATER REVIEW young people draw a lot on pop culture as far as formulating identity and these young actors QUEERTOPIA: are no exception, and there’s an understandable “Fascinating, compelling, smart and need for more than a few Lady Gaga mentions. The Anti- Though each character gets a piece, much of uncompromising... it makes your head spin Violence Project the drama centers on a transgender boy named By: Paula Gilovich and the About Flea who meets a straight-looking girl named in all the right ways.”— Chicago Tribune Face Theatre Youth Ensemble Lexi, a potential relationship that manages to At: Hoover-Leppen Theatre disrupt even the cornucopia of queer that is at the Center on Halsted the Queer Love Army. Lexi’s arrival has particu- “If you only see one play this year, see Phone: 866.811.4111; visit lar complications for Teddy, a transgender girl www.aboutfacetheatre.com for ticket info who has a leash on Flea and has been receiving Steppenwolf Theatre’s A Parallelogram” Runs through: July 25 some threatening letters lately. As this drama — Chicago Theatre Blog plays out, we get glimpses of the other charac- BY STEVEN CHAITMAN ters such as Bishop the dancer, unofficial leader Silve Cloud and Lafayette, the mother hen of the Ignore any pre-existing notions you might have group. “Highly entertaining and exceptionally of QUEERTOPIA. Billed as an anti-violence play The power in QUEERTOPIA comes from these that takes place in some indeterminate time young adults clearly injecting some of them- thought-provoking comedy.”— Variety in the not-too-distant future, the expecta- selves into their characters. The best moments tion is that QUEERTOPIA will introduce radical come as they tell their stories in monologues ideas like out of a George Orwell novel about at different points in the play. The struggle how “queer” will be defined in the future. That with identity between what you are, what you simply isn’t so. Instead, this workshop-written feel and what you want to be shines through ensemble project plays more to what the teens in these more intimate moments. Several char- of About Face Theatre do best—create an ar- acters share their stories of what they do after ray of challenging queer characters who wrestle they shut their bedroom doors, a universally un- with identity. derstood metaphor—especially to the LGBTQ of As if their secret meeting space was indeed the the world. Hoover-Leppen Theatre (though it’s supposed to So while QUEERTOPIA doesn’t play out as it be an abandoned condo), these teens invite us seems, the About Face Youth Theatre ensemble into their secret club of sorts, the Queer Love creates some rich characters with familiar prob- Army, a safety nest for self-expression and a lems but with unique attitudes that challenge place where challenging queer attitudes are the always ambiguous concept of queer identity. formed. The cast represents the gamut in terms And despite the “anti-violence project” tagline, LGBTQ and any other letters you want to throw the production does not tell a typical tale of in, each getting the opportunity to build his or queer victimization. The conflict comes from her (or both) own complex person. within the group, a reminder that the difficulty It’s intended to be the future to some extent, of being LGBTQ doesn’t always come from out- but contemporary music and pop culture refer- side the walls of the community—a message that ences drown out that possibility. Consider that will not and cannot ever become irrelevant.

Cristian Gorostieta in Queertopia. a parallelogram Photo by Aurelia Fisher a new play by Bruce Norris directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro featuring ensemble members Kate Arrington and Tom Irwin with Tim Bickel and Marylouise Burke THEATER REVIEW as the next step toward his reformation? Are the two men who drive away with Ian on the wed- Bee explores her unique ability to “do over” any event Hesperia ding day mob enforcers or federal agents? Will in her life in a dark, funny new play about a woman bent Playwright: Randall Colburn the sheltered Trevor’s faith allay whatever sus- on reinventing her destiny. At: Right Brain Project at the picions he may someday develop regarding his Rorschach Studio, 4001 N. Ravenswood wife’s motives in marrying him? What could have Phone: 773-750-2033; $15 emerged a noiresque tale of feminine deceit in A Parallelogram Wine Tasting Runs through: Aug. 14 Randall Colburn’s hands instead explores the fragile boundaries between the sacred and pro- Wednesday July 21 at 6:00 p.m. fane with religion presented, on the one hand, BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Wine and appetizers from VINCI before the show, tickets $60. Please use code 5825. as a sanctuary in a cruel world and, on the other, It’s a story as pitiful as it is commonplace: as an obstacle to spiritual growth. Two childhood comrades flee their small-town Colburn’s narrative, as staged by the Right home in the California desert to the big city of Brain Project in its fourth-floor warehouse stu- Los Angeles, where circumstances eventually dio, is structured in screenplay-styled three- lead them to the seedy fringe industry of DIY characters-or-fewer scenes performed on the steppenwolf porn. But Jessica, now self-christened Claudia, forestage, with absent personnel ranged on has left all that behind, returning to the bar- chairs against the upstage wall and acting-exer- ren regions on the edge of the Mojave, where cise wooden-block scenery. The building’s echo- buy online at steppenwolf.org she is now engaged to her church’s youth leader, producing exposed brick shell, coupled with the himself a 30-year-old virgin who responds ea- operating noise of the room-sized air-condition- or call 312-335-1650. gerly to his fiancée’s professions of born-again ing unit, tend to blur the enunciation of actors Foundation Production Sponsor Corporate Support Hotel Partner innocence. But then her abandoned comrade speaking at conversational volume. And, in the The Harold and arrives, likewise seeking to make a new start. role of the ambivalent penitent, Natalie DeCris- Mimi Steinberg Ian’s redemption, however, is more problematic, tofano’s babyish clothing and appearance verge Charitable Trust his past not as easily relinquished—in particu- precariously close to pulp-fiction parody. But lar, the creditors he must elude. As his former Colburn’s is a mature drama asking serious ques- lover’s wedding approaches, and the emotional tions, refusing to take sides or traffic in easy an- tensions escalate, their newfound security is in- swers, and under Nathan Robbel’s direction, the creasingly threatened, until a sacrifice becomes cast’s wholesale commitment to their material inevitable. are enough to overcome any impediments gener- Well, did Jessica/Claudia rat out her best ated by the production’s physical limitations. friend to save herself? Or did Ian turn himself in 14 July 21, 2010 MUSIC being signed to a major label now. So it’s quite does talk about it in his songs, it’s a chance for liberating. We both feel energized by it. people who aren’t as familiar with that whole WCT: And I see that you’re touring with Coy- side of the queer community to be exposed to it Indigo Girls: ote Grace. through incredible music and lovely people. ES: Yeah, I love them. WCT: Coyote Grace recently released a ver- Living the WCT: Yeah. And I’m interested in that be- sion of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s cause the Indigo Girls have sometimes been Alright,” which you also just released. Any ‘Dream’ pigeonholed as a lesbian band, but you’ve al- chance we’ll see a collaboration of that in by Kate Sosin ways engaged with a larger community. It is Chicago? significant that Coyote Grace, a group with a ES: Mmmm, that’s a good idea. We haven’t Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers and Amy Ray will take transgender artist, is opening for you? done that one together. We’ve been doing that the stage in Chicago at Morton Arboretum on ES: Even without that element to consider, with Brandi Carlisle, but that would be fun. I July 24 in support of their new concert retro- I love their music. They sell more CDs I think think I’ll bring that up. spective, *Staring Down the Brilliant Dream. than practically anyone who opens for us. It is WCT: Well, we look forward to seeing you in Windy City Times caught up with Saliers to talk important, I think, along with that comes the Chicago. about the album, life as an independent artist experience for people, either in the audience ES: We’re excited to be back. Thanks so much. and their notable opening act. who are already familiar with trans issues and Please visit www.mortonarb.org/calendar/ Windy City Times: So tell me about Staring feel quite at home and comfortable with that article/21434/in-tune-with-trees-indigo- Down the Brilliant Dream. What made you de- Indigo Girls Emily Saliers (left) and Amy Ray. or more importantly, in my mind, because Joe girls-with-special-guest-coyote-grace-.html. cide to put out a concert retrospective right now? participation? Emily Saliers: We put out 1,000 Curfews* and ES: Obviously you’re going to be stirred if it seemed to be very popular with the fans, and you’re listening to a track and the fans are so it’s sorta like a snapshot of a period of time loud, they’re singing and you can just feel the in terms of capturing the live stage obviously. joy emanating from the track, even in its primi- And over the course of the last three years our tive off-the-board recording form. So, we’re al- [sound man] recorded all the live shows. And ways going to grab a tape with songs that cap- the quality of the recording actually turned out ture that energy. And in the end, it is a big big to be really good. So we started thinking about big “thank you” to the fans because they’re on it as an opportunity to put a collection of live Thirty there. tracks together and release it as a double live Seconds WCT: Do you have a favorite track on the CD. We sifted through many many many many to Mars (with album? songs over those three years and came up with Jared Leto, ES: You know, I’m really happy that, from my a mix of songs with the band and songs acoustic middle). songs, I’m really happy that we got “I Believe and songs with different guests and some more in Love” because we haven’t played that live obscure stuff, and we put it together. very often. It’s a song that I really like; it’s off

WCT: And I notice that like a lot of the Despite our Differences. And we didn’t get that NUNN ON ONE songs on the album, like “Closer to Fine” JL: Yeah some really wonderful people as well many tracks with the band, and it is with the as being great at their jobs. Flood, who is in- you’ve probably played thousands of times at band. I couldn’t believe that we got that cap- Jared Leto: this point. Was it difficult to select record- famous for working with some of my favorite tured. It’s not an easy song to perform in terms bands out there, from Depeche Mode to U2 to ings that felt fresh for the album at all? of pitch, and I play on the ukulele... Good ‘Thirty’ fun ES: Well, “Closer to Fine,” I was surprised BY JERRY NUNN Nine Inch Nails and Chicago natives, Smashing WCT: I know that Staring Down the Bril- that in the end we chose to have that track Pumpkins. And Steve Lilywhite, who’s worked liant Dream is a lyric taken from “Love of our on [because]—you’re right—it’s probably the Jared Leto first broke our hearts in the televi- with the Stones, and U2, he’s just a phenom- Lives.” Why did you choose that title for the most recorded song we’ve ever done and played sion show My So-Called Life, which was a fa- enal talent. album? live. But what was cool about that version was vorite among the gay demographic. Then he WCT: Kanye West did the song “Hurricane,” ES: Amy actually picked that. We were talking you had a young band, an up-and-coming band kidnapped, punched and drugged us in films right? some ideas around and it is from the lyric “Love called Fragile Tomorrow and Jill Hennessey, who such as Panic Room, Fight Club and Requiem JL: Yeah, he sang on a song I wrote called of Our Lives.” I think “Staring Down the Brilliant we just happened to meet a few days before for a Dream. Now, the multitalented Leto he is “Hurricane.” He did a great job. Dream” just sort of captures sort of how it is as that in Mountain Stage in West Virgina. So it out to rock us by singing and playing guitar in WCT: Is that ever going to be released with a young artist and you’re out there playing and just kind of captured this sort of an odd, hybrid Thirty Seconds to Mars. him singing on it, or no? you’re sort of just and you keep traveling, and it experience with that song. I think the fans will Windy City Times: Hey, Jared. How are JL: It’s been leaked on the Internet, and I is a dream, you know? enjoy this because it’s different even though it’s you? think … some of that stuff is difficult to work WCT: For sure. This album is a retrospective, “Closer to Fine.” So each track had something Jared Leto: I’m great. I’m actually driving out with label to label and we had to get it all and at the same time, I don’t get the sense special that really spoke to us. away from beautiful sunny Chicago towards cleared up before the album was released. But that there’s nostalgia, or wistfulness, or even WCT: For sure. And I notice that the audi- Milwaukee. I’m on a bus right now. I know they’re working on it, and hopefully it’ll bitterness. Is the freedom of going indepen- ence is heard singing along or even singing WCT: Oh, so you have a Milwaukee show see the light of day, officially as well. dent reflected in these tracks? tonight? WCT: In March, you just recorded a cover of alone on the tracks. ES: There’s absolutely no doubt about it. You ES: Right. JL: Yeah, we have a Milwaukee show tonight, Lady Gaga. Are you a fan of hers? know, if we had been signed to a major label, WCT: It feels like in some ways a celebra- then we’ll be back. We actually had a day off JL: Yeah, we did a live cover for a station who knows if we would have even put this re- in Chicago yesterday, which was beautiful, and called Radio One in London. She’s great, I tion of your relationship with your fans. Did cord out. There’s nothing that we can get from you intentionally choose songs with audience we’ll back tomorrow for the show at the Ara- think she’s a talent and we thought it might gon. be something unexpected and fun. They had WCT: So you lead sing and play rhythm called us last time, they have a program called CULTURE CLUB guitar in Thirty Seconds. Were you always Live Lounge for BBC, and they asked us to cov- musically inclined? er a pop song, so we did Kanye West’s Stronger JL: I’ve been playing music since I was a about two and half years ago. It ended up kind little kid, yeah. I grew up around a lot of art- of winning the best Live Lounge in 10 years ists and hippies and there was always instru- or something. It was unexpected and we were ments lying around. I remember one time, my pretty surprised by that. So they asked us to first instrument was actually the piano, we had do it again, and we thought Lady Gaga would found a piano that someone was dumping with be a fun thing to do. broken keys and barely worked, a little upright WCT: The Mr. Nobody movie you’re in, is piano. And we dragged it into our house and that coming out in the States? that was there for a number of years, and that JL: I don’t know when it’s coming out in the was my first instrument. But it wasn’t some- States. It’s been in festivals around the world; thing that people did professionally, you know. it’s been in Toronto, it just came out in Rus- But there was a lot of creativity around. sia, France and Belgium. I’m not sure about WCT: And do you like being in a band with the States yet; I don’t know when it’s going to your brother? come out. JL: It was kind of a logical thing. He’s a WCT: Well, you were actually in a movie tremendous drummer and he’s a really unique with my roommate from college, Michael player. He makes really interesting choices and Rosenbaum. I think colors the band in a really original way. JL: He’s great, I love him. He’s so funny. Will One of the plusses of sharing it with someone you tell him I said “hello?” It’s been a while. you have known your entire life is great too. The official website of Thirty Seconds is WCT: You got to work with some big pro- http://thirtysecondstomars.thisisthehive. ducers on this album, too. net/blog/. July 21, 2010 15 NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC Angelo Garcia Natalie on music and Ricky Martin Merchant: By Ross Forman

‘Sleep’ Angelo Garcia was 10 years old when, while on vacation with his family in Puerto Rico, his mom saw a commercial for Menudo auditions. impact She took him to the audition—and within a BY JERRY NUNN week was offered a recording contract with the band. Natalie Merchant sang and wrote songs Luckily, the first album, Garcia, recorded with for the group 10,000 Maniacs in the ‘80s, Menudo was an English-language album, Sons had a huge solo career in the ‘90s and of Rock … because the youngster didn’t know now, in 2010, she has launched a new Spanish at the time. project. Garcia ultimately spent three years with the Windy City Times: Hi, Natalie. So popular boy band, and recorded three albums, what inspired this new album, Leave including his all-time favorite Menudo song, Your Sleep? “You Got Potential,” which was the first song Angelo Garcia. Photo courtesy of Garcia Natalie Merchant: Well, I started doing WCT: Now you weren’t allowed to watch he ever recorded. these adaptations of poetry when my daughter television growing up. Do you allow your “The positive aspects of being in a boy band was born, in 2003. And people had told me for daughter to watch TV? are, you have the support of other members “Menudo polished me as an artist and pop star years my voice was very soothing to children. NM: I don’t know if it’s a question of allow- and you do not feel alone when you are on and it prepared me for my next phases as an So many people told me that my voice was the ing her; it’s just that we don’t own one. And stage,” Garcia said. “I was able to learn how entertainer. I know how to work a stage, and I only thing that could put their child to sleep. she doesn’t get an allowance so she can’t afford to be a pop star thanks to Menudo. The nega- owe it to Menudo.” [Laughs] I didn’t know if that was a compliment one of her own. She’s definitely intrigued and tive aspects are that I lost a huge chunk of my Yes, Garcia is the other gay former Menudo until I had a screaming infant of my own. But mesmerized if we’re somewhere and there is a childhood and had to become an adult by the member (besides Ricky Martin), although he anyway, I thought I would make an album of television but, no, we don’t watch it at home. time I was 11 years old. That was a lot of re- actually came out in January—before Martin lullabies and I would base them on 19th-cen- She sees movies on the computer. sponsibility and for someone being that young confirmed his sexual orientation. tury British poetry. So that was how the project WCT: Do you think she’ll be a singer one it sometimes is overwhelming. “A lot of the press tried to say I followed in started. day? “We were so famous and it was definitely a his footsteps, but that was misleading to the WCT: Interesting. And then it just grew and NM: She’s a singer now. She’s two years into roller-coaster ride. I had a love-hate relation- public as they were mistaken,” Garcia said. “I grew? studying piano at the local conservatory and ship with fame at that age because I loved the have publicly never denied being out, but even NM: It started expanding and I thought it she’s really an incredible musician. She’s very attention, but the problem with fame is that before the press took hold of the article that would be really interesting to put some old natural. you cannot turn it off when you want your pri- made news, I have been open since I was 17. nursery rhymes to music because they have the WCT: And you were a child prodigy, right? vate time. As a child star, it was frustrating This was mostly to my inner circle of friends rhymes and things like that. They are very simple NM: Ha, ha,ha—no, not a prodigy. I think they because I couldn’t go to the movies, or the and family.” but very intriguing. A lot of beautiful imagery called me an idiot savant. I took lessons when I mall, or even to Disney World without being Find out more about Angelo Garcia—in- and passages that probably had some historical was young, but I’m a pretty bad piano player. mobbed. I am a lot more prepared now and cluding his thoughts on Chicago and even significance that’s been lost. And so the proj- WCT: On this tour, are you going to be doing with the maturity to understand how to deal more on Ricky Martin—visit www.WindyCi- ect kept going along, and then as my daughter your past solo hits at the Chicago Theater? with fame, so if it ever happens again I will be tyMediaGroup.com. started getting older and I introduced her to the NM: Well, the band that I’m taking out, we’re ready. poems, and she was around all the time while I playing our first show tonight, because I’ve been was working, it also sort of became a tool for touring with just two guitarists and a cellist teaching her language and teaching her music. since last November, mostly in Europe. But now Before I knew it, she was already four or it’s an eight-piece band, and I’ve got two string five years old and the poetry just kept growing players, a bass, clarinet, piano, accordion and with her and the project kept expanding, and two guitarists. So with that configuration, I’m I thought it would be a really beautiful intro- doing some of the older material but of course duction to poetry and music for children. And it’s going to sound completely different, which I wanted to try and build it, not as a formal is exciting. We’re basically doing two concerts: curriculum for kids, but on an informal supple- The first half of the concert is all of the new ma- mentary tool that teachers could use. But then terial, and the second half is the older catalog. I realized it was really going beyond that and it WCT: Are you allowed to do any of the was becoming just the beautiful body of work 10,000 Maniacs’ songs? that I happened to produce during the years NM: I do some. It’s not a question of being that I was becoming a mother. allowed—it’s if I want to do them. I did write WCT: It’s a huge undertaking. or co-write everything that the 10,000 Maniacs NM: Yeah, seven years in the end and the pack- did. aging took quite a long time, too. I started lean- WCT: And I loved the Billy Bragg project ing more toward the obscure poets and nobody thing you did. knew much about them, and so I hired some NM: Yes, that’s very similar to what I am do- research assistants who started doing some de- ing now. I definitely kept Billy and Jeff in mind tective work and research, and started learning when I was doing these adaptations, because that their lives were really interesting. And then that’s what they did with the materials of the I hired a picture researcher because I was in- Woody Guthrie archives. trigued who these people were and I wanted to WCT: And I wanted to ask you, they always see their faces, and that took another year. tried to put you with Michael Stipe back in [There was] writing all of the biographies and the day. Did you just want to scream, “OK, historical sketches, and including the photo- he’s gay!” because the public always tried to graphs and then hiring the book designer—put- put you with him as a couple? ting together this beautiful book. I had origi- NM: We were a couple, for a while. But I think nally thought it would be a great idea to do a it was more because we played gigs together, larger-format book, but when I approached the our bands formed at the same time, and we were record company, it was conceived as a conven- both off the beaten track. Our music had some tional CD, and the book can be pursued another similarities. We still talk occasionally. I think time. And I have enough to do a volume two R.E.M was making a record down in New Orleans so maybe, eventually, that’s how I’ll present the and they were just in Berlin I think, a few weeks book. And I also illustrated many of the poems; ago finishing up. it was another thing I wanted to do. There’s also WCT: Good to know. Well, see you with a script for a musical based on all of the poems. 10,000 fans at Borders and the Chicago The- The characters in the poems become characters atre this week! in the narrative. Natalie Merchant will sign CDs at Borders WCT: Oh my gosh—a musical? That would Books and Music, 150 N. State, on July 22 at be great. 12:30 p.m. and plays a concert that night at NM: It would be really fun. 8 p.m. at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. 16 July 21, 2010 las Hoult co-star in this dazzling, stylish film. The DVD contains a brief making-of featurette NUNN ON ONE: TELEVISION that, not surprisingly, is as fashionably done as Rob Dauber: the film itself. KNIGHT A quartet of offbeat films with lesbian char- The man behind AT acters or themes are now available on DVD. The first is the erotic thriller Chloe, in which Liam Wendy Williams THE BY JERRY NUNN Neeson, Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried MOVIES form a very sensual triangle. The love scenes Rob Dauber is the executive producer for The between Moore and Seyfried are muy sexy (and Wendy Williams Show. Already in its second here’s another shout out for Moore’s funny, mov- successful season, Windy City Times traveled ing performance in The Kids Are All Right—her to New York for a Nunn on One with the man second lesbian role this year, not to mention her behind the curtain. work in the gay-themed A Single Man—keep up Windy City Times: Behind every great the good acting choices, Julianne!). Next up is woman is a gay man, and you’ve had a suc- The Runaways, the grungy biopic of the mid- cessful run. ’70s girl punk band of the title, with Kristen Rob Dauber: Yes, I’ve been lucky to work Stewart playing lesbian rock goddess Joan Jett with some very amazing women, and my last and Dakota Fanning as her sometime lover Che- three hosts were Rosie, Oprah and Martha Summer DVD rie Curie. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace burns Stewart. And I feel really lucky. You know, I up the screen as the bisexual title character in grew up in a house with very strong women. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, another sex- Amanda Seyfried in Chloe. round-up; WCT: How is marketing this show? It’s so ual thriller—this one much more intense, with different than Oprah. a lot more typical mystery elements than Chloe. making them gloriously entertaining. As with all RD: I think that every successful talk show film note And while on the subject of woman-on-woman By Richard Knight, Jr. Criterion releases, the DVDs include a bevy of that has launched is based around a person- love scenes, Hannah Free, the lesbian romance welcome, exactingly detailed extras. ality. And the show is built around that star’s starring Sharon Gless that was locally filmed As usual, the summer movie season has brought Finally, a bit of whimsy: The all-too-brief but personality. With Oprah, her show has gone and produced, provides plenty of sizzle amongst us one male-driven action flick after another, still hilarious ‘60s sitcom The Mothers-In-Law, through obviously lots of changes. It’s defi- its more sobering moments. It’s out from Wolfe which makes the anticipation level of Angelina which starred queer audience faves Kaye Ballard nitely morphed over the 25 years it’s been on Video, which specializes in distributing queer- Jolie—forever beloved by the queer community and Eve Arden as the title buttinskys, is finally the air to being the beautiful polished show themed movies. for her fearless breakthrough role as the lesbian making its DVD debut after much legal wran- it is today. But I look at Rosie, like Oprah— Wolfe has two other eagerly awaited releases supermodel Gia—in this summer’s only female- gling. Locally based distributor MPI has released it’s an extension of her, of her interests and by gay audiences. For those of you who missed driven action picture, Salt, particularly high. the DVDs, which includes all 56 episodes spread her likes, her dislikes. So Rosie’s shows, and the theatrical release of 8: The Mormon Prop- (See the interview with Salt’s Angelina Jolie in over eight discs. The I Love Lucy writers and Martha’s show, are extensions of them. I look osition—Reed Cowan and Steven Greenstreat’s this issue.) But alas, dear readers of this weekly production company Desilu were behind most of at this show as a total extension of who Wen- documentary about the Mormon Church’s be- column, I don’t have a review of Ms. Jolie’s lat- the episodes, and the show has the same pratfall dy is. We built this show around her. Wendy hind-the-scenes involvement in the campaign est movie for you. wackiness of Lucy. A new interview with Ballard, gave us the bones, for 22 years she had been to overturn same-sex marriage in California—it’s The explanation is by now a familiar one: Stu- one of the few remaining cast members, is in- hosting shows on the radio, and really honed now on DVD, and is highly recommended. Wolfe dios have increasingly hedged their bets against cluded among the extras. her skill with hot topics and with Ask Wendy also has released the gay film-festival favorite potentially less-than-rhapsodic reviews and and the celebrity interviews. And we really Pornography: A Thriller, a David Lynch-like gay stinging word-of-mouth by screening movies Film note: took all the best things that Wendy had done murder mystery thingy that features some very mere days before opening (this policy has a flip —Vincent: A Life in Color, the charming for herself over the years and kind of melded hot men involved in some very odd goings-on. side—no early raves either). For a weekly like documentary by local filmmaker Jennifer Burns them together into a television show. For classics fans—and I am a big one—there Windy City Times, with our Wednesday publica- that focuses on the life of Vincent P. Falk, Chi- are two major releases from the inestimable tion date, that means many of the films you’d cago’s own “Riverace”—thanks to his propen- Criterion Collection, both from the British di- like reviews of from my queer perspective are sity to twirl one of his Technicolor suit coats recting-producing team of Michael Powell and screened past WCT deadlines. To offset that, in while standing on the State Street bridge, to the Emeric Pressburger. First up is the rapturous, some cases, we’ve posted reviews online or the delight of passing tour-boat patrons below— newly minted print of 1948’s The Red Shoes, following week in our print edition (and will returns to the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. which finds the titian-haired Moira Shearer as a continue to do so). State, July 23-29 by popular demand. The film ballet dancer torn between her gay-in-all-but- In the meantime, however, though we have no reveals that there’s a lot more depth to this local name impresario and discoverer and her young Salt on the menu today (sorry—couldn’t resist), legend—who is legally blind and gay—than his composer husband. The second is 1947’s Black there are a batch of queer-related DVDs that are colorful appearance might suggest. Both Falk Narcissus, which stars a young Deborah Kerr, wonderful enticements for staying out of the and Burns will be present for audience discus- who comes to a nunnery high up in the Himala- summer heat and plugging in the ol’ DVD player sion during various screenings throughout the yas and finds herself torn between physical and that I’d like to recommend. return engagement. Check out www.siskelfilm- spiritual desires. There is a heavy, heavy lesbian The first, of course, is not only 2009’s best center.org. undertone present throughout the film (em- Rob Dauber and Wendy Williams. Photo queer-themed film but also one of the year’s Check out my archived reviews at www. bodied by the character of Kerr’s subconscious by Anders Krusberg/The Wendy Williams best movies, period. That would be, naturally, windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- competitor, Sister Ruth, a fellow nun played by Show Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man, with ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the the over-the-top Kathleen Byron). Both films are the stunning Colin Firth in his Oscar-nominated latter website. drenched in color and steeped in melodrama, role. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode and Nicho- WCT: Do you have any things you want to change for the next season? RD: We’re going to make some changes. One of the things we know is our show is really entertaining, and one of the things our view- ers say they really love are some of the seg- ments where not only does Wendy give advice but also where we have Dr. Linda Stork and Dr. Lisa Masterson, and people like hearing some of the information that those doctors would give. Not that we’re going to have doc- tors on a lot, but we’re paying attention and making sure that our viewers are not only en- tertained but they can also take away some good useful information. Wendy Williams has just begun her new season, airing locally at 11 a.m. weekdays on Fox. Please check wendywilliamstvshow. com for details of listings. To read a past interview with Wendy Williams, visit Nun- nontheRun.com and www.WindyCityMedia- Group.com. Read the entire interview with Rob on- line at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com, and find out what his favorite Wendy epi- Colin Firth stars in A Single Man. sode is. July 21, 2010 17 MOVIES Angelina Jolie mans up “OUTRAGEOUSLY FUNNY. Salt actress talks about her sex WONDERFUL. change, kicking butt in her new spy The best comedy about an American family since ... Since what? thriller and Brad’s new man Precedents and grounds for comparison seem to be lacking, so I may have to let the superlative stand unqualified for now.” By Chris Azzopardi A.O. SCOTT

Angelina Jolie’s just one of the boys. Not only by being a butt-kicking bombshell in Wanted or the Tomb Raider series, but truly transforming into a man for her role in Salt, an is-she-isn’t-she? “HILARIOUS AND HEARTFELT. espionage action-thriller that casts one of the most famous and bankable bisexuals as a tena- IRRESISTIBLE. cious CIA agent who’s framed as a sleeper spy. ‘The Kids Are All Right’ makes its own special magic. Jolie’s character is Evelyn Salt, who freaks and The actors are to die for. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore hides when a walk-in outs her—resulting in a sweaty-palms-producing popcorn flick that finds nail every nuance. Mark Ruffalo is dynamite.” PETER TRAVERS the 35-year-old doing daredevil stunts: balanc- ing on skyscrapers, hop-scotching across trucks Angelina Jolie at a Salt photo call held at and fighting off men almost twice her size. Summer of Sony in Cancun, Mexico, in June. The actress is toothpick-tiny—and also, on Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures this particular day at a Ritz-Carlton suite in Washington, D.C., just before the film’s July “FUNNY, SMART AND izing Salt? 23 release, she’s all woman. With a black knee- AJ: It was extremely important to me [to de- length skirt, flowing locks and those famous OVERFLOWING WITH LOVE. sexualize her], because I just felt that she was pursed lips that exaggerate her cheek bones, better than that. Not that it wouldn’t have been she’s a picture-perfect beauty who seemingly THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING. fun to do if it was appropriate in a scene, but walked out from one of the countless magazine Between peerless performances, lyrical direction and it just felt like if we can find a way to not need covers she’s graced. that, let’s not. an adventurous script, this is the sort of pleasingly And yet, here Jolie is, speaking about women CA: Your character builds bombs and rewires grown-up fare all too rare.” in action films, tips her drag-doing Salt co-stars systems... BETSY SHARKEY gave her on being a gender-bending badass and AJ: My MacGyver scene! Brad Pitt’s reaction to her doing dude. CA: Did you pick up any skills while you Chris Azzopardi: Salt is based in reality, were doing this movie? but there are all these crazy action scenes. AJ: We actually took one or two elements out Where’s the limit in those scenes so people of the bomb-building [scene] so it couldn’t be “GRADE: A. still believe the story? re-created, but yeah [laughs], with a few extra Angelina Jolie: Everything had to be somehow elements, that’s one. FUNNY, SMART AND SEXY. possible. Even if it was stretched, even if the You learn the oddest things when you’re an This pitch-perfect movie charms audiences into a trucks on the freeway were wild, it’s still not actor. You come home and your kids say, “What state of enlightenment. Annette Bening, Julianne Moore impossible. Crazy—but not impossible. [Laughs] did you do?” “I built a bomb.” and Mark Ruffalo are at the top of their games.” It’s the opposite of actually every action movie CA: You’re rather fearless, but did anything LISA SCHWARZBAUM I’ve ever done, because there’s never really been about doing your own stunts scare you? a female action movie based in reality. They’re AJ: Only the last kill. I was worried I was go- always fantasy. I’ve done most of ’em. [Laughs] ANNETTE BENING JULIANNE MOORE MARK RUFFALO ing to snap my arm. All the people playing the CA: The character was originally written for extras in the entire room didn’t know what was a man, so what else changed about this char- going to happen because they [the crew] said to acter? me, “You can’t rehearse it, really. You just gotta AJ: Well, I’m not Edwin. [Laughs] We said, go.” So—we just did it. They [extras] were so “We can’t start to turn this into a girl movie shocked that they really reacted, and then ev- because that’s where people have failed in the erybody started applauding [laughs]. It was like past.” When they write something on purpose doing a stage play. for a woman, it’s always about being a woman. CA: Because Salt is so strong and smart and So, we said, “We have to make her darker, and badass, what do you think the role says about we have to make her meaner than the boys.” women? CA: So you’re not Edwin, but for a few min- MIA WASIKOWSKA JOSH HUTCHERSON AJ: I’ve never underestimated women, so I’m utes, you are a man. Nic and Jules had the perfect family, not surprised to start seeing women do these AJ: I am! I couldn’t help myself! until they met the man who made it all possible. things. That’s why we didn’t actually approach CA: What was it like to cross-dress? it as, “Salt’s a woman;” we just approached it AJ: Oh, it was great! You realize every lead in as, “Salt’s a badass and happens to be a woman this movie [including Liev Schreiber in Taking and this should be no real huge surprise for any- Woodstock and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Kinky Boots] body.” has cross-dressed? It’s just the greatest thing. CA: Shooting in New York or Washington, I’m surprised that picture hasn’t got out: the D.C., are there smells or views that help you KidsAreAllRightMovie.com three of us next to each other, in our match- create the character? ing drag photos. They were very supportive. AJ: Yeah, absolutely. These places are so [Laughs] specific, and Washington is a place where you CA: Did Liev or Chiwetel give you tips? can feel the power of things that get done—or AJ: They gave me tips, yeah. They just basi- the frustration of things that don’t get done. cally said, “Go fully into it and enjoy it.” That’s [Laughs] But when you’re running through the what they did. I loved it. We called him Johnny park and you have all the monuments around for some reason. It was really weird. you, it’s impossible not to feel what that means Phillip [Noyce, the director] could hardly talk to a movie, especially if the movie is about the to me. Nobody could talk to me. It wasn’t as CIA. much what he looked like; it was when I spoke, CA: From a character perspective, where when it was my voice coming out of him. would you like to see Salt go next if there is Brad came to visit me once and I said, “You a sequel? don’t want to come; I’m going to be the man.” AJ: It depends how [this one] goes. If it does And he said, “It won’t bother me. It’s you. What- [well], then we’re all going to jump in and try to ever.” Then he came, and I was changing, so I figure that out. We’ve been joking: “Could there was half-woman, half-man. [He was] so creeped be a disaster in every resort across the Americas, out by that! [Laughs] across Europe, and the world? 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Buy a 3 bedroom, 2 bath manu- blending in completely would be impossible, factured home, in gay friendly Saugatuck Michigan. Per- that I could never disappear into the “melting It’s hard to read either fiction or non-fiction fect as a vacation or weekend get-a-way. Ready to move pot” described in our history lessons on the about India or Pakistan without wondering about into, small mobile home community just two miles from ideal American immigration.” Yet, she contextu- the proliferation of trees in peoples’ backyards. downtown. WE FINANCE - EASY APPROVAL. Several to alizes her feelings within the larger context of Without fail, a writer reveals a simple childhood choose from. Call Maggie at 269-857-1191 or e-mail Michigan’s racial landscape, “a landscape shaped [email protected] (9/22/10-26) musings under a banyan, mango or tamarind by successive waves of racism” and white flight BERRIEN COUNTY, LAKESIDE, MI - Architecturally in- tree. A sticky-sweet narrative laden with every from cities to suburbs. triguing compound features one bedroom main house cliché involving silk, henna, jasmine flowers and But while her racial and ethnic identities are and 2 bedroom, one bath guesthouse – a total of 3 spices wraps that moment. Inevitably, a trag- obvious, her sexuality is less so. Among relatives, bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 baths. Surrounded by 43 edy strikes people due to repression (they can’t wooded acres Galien River frontage. $729,000 Con- she repeatedly encounters the question, “When marry whom they love!) and ancient internecine tact: Nora Duffy. 312-953-1783 nora.duffy@sothe- are you getting married?” She writes, “There are battles (too hard to understand but that’s just bysrealty.com http://www.michigan.crawfordsir.com people in my extended family who will read for how those people function!) (9/1/10–7) the first time here that I am a lesbian…[t]here Minal Hajratwala was born in San Francisco will be a minor conflagration…[a]nd then it will and raised in New Zealand and suburban Michi- SUBURBS pass…Grace, joy, love, gratitude: these too are HIGHLAND PARK, 447 HAZEL – OPEN SUNDAY, 12 – gan before returning to the city of her birth. Today, Hajratwala—a queer journalist, poet elements of my path. When I touch my lover’s 2PM. Vintage home tucked away on a beautiful ravine. My Family’s Journey is her account of a century- and performer—occupies multiple identities. hand in the dark, I know what the goddess wrote Minutes from town. 3 Bdrm, 1.5 bath. 1800 square feet of long series of migrations undertaken by her fam- Her story and that of her family could have been for me.” tableland. Perfect getaway, beautiful gardens and deck. ily. The scrupulously researched and documented rendered in syrupy terms, its members painted It’s that last sentence that reveals Hajrat- $549,000. Call Martha – 847-970-0998. Coldwell book will be an engrossing revelation for those as enterprising and brave travelers. But Leaving Banker Residential Real Estate. (7/21/10-1) wala’s quintessentially Californian self (to echo who are used to imagining Indians as bearers of India lays bare the complexity of migration, its other stereotypes), and the book has a tendency ancient traditions who never leave their home- cultural and economic hardships, and the dark FOR RENT to meander into such fuzziness. Despite these lands. Only one tree, bearing tamarinds, appears underside of the many departures and arrivals. IN THE HEART OF ANDERSONVILLE, Large 2 bedroom minor failings, Leaving India remains an impor- momentarily in her mother’s family’s backyard. Including, for instance, the realities of race in 3rd floor unit in 3-flat building steps from Clark Street. tant and clear-eyed look at the realities behind Hajratwala’s paternal great-grandfather Moti- South Africa. Separate dining room, sunporch, hardwood floors, the diasporas of our modern world. free laundry in basement. Available Sept. 1. $1400 ram Narsey left India in 1909, making his way When her great-great uncle arrived in Durban, includes heat. Call: 312-909-0052 (8/4/10) to the Fiji Islands where he established “one of one contemporary referred it to as “a second-rate Nair can be reached at nairyasmin@yahoo. com. LAKEVIEW DUPLEX ARCHITECT-DESIGNED Sunny the largest department stores in the South Pa- Bombay” because it contained a concentrated one bedroom, approximately 1000 sqft. 1-1/2 bath, cific Isles.” Her great-great-uncle Ganda Kapitan population of Indians who were segregated and washer/dryer, central air, glass bridge, skylights. Near went to South Africa at the tender age of eleven confined to the city and its outskirts, making Morrison book transportation, Southport restaurants, Music Box. in 1904. At seventeen, Kapitan inherited a small its famous Grey Street neighborhood the larg- No smokers or pets, please. Available October 1. $1200.00 month. 773-485-1956. (8/4/10) eatery in Durban that became a successful insti- est “Little India” in the world. But in apartheid city’s selection 4 BEDROOM - LOGAN SQUARE, Moffat street at Kedzie tution. South Africa, Indians were accorded a higher Chicago Public Library has announced that (south of Armitage), 4 BEDROOM, TWO BATH TWO STORY Hajratwala’s maternal grandfather Narotam status than native Africans, about whom both Toni Morrison’s most recent novel, A Mercy, will DUPLEX, new fridge/oven/carpeting. Central AC/heat. left for Fiji in 1931, and opened a wholesale whites and Indians told strange stories. One be the 19th selection for Chicago’s city-wide Quiet street. $1290. 219.902.1715 (7/28/10) clothing business. After a period of prosperity, Indian lawyer wrote that Black South Africans book club One Book, One Chicago. he died poor. His son Champak became friends “are the descendants of some of the slaves in This fall’s One Book, One Chicago program will REALTORS with Bhupendra Narsey, who married Hajratwala’s America who managed to escape from their cruel kick off with an event Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Free On-Line Directory of mother, Bhanu. Hajratwala has 36 first cousins bondage and migrated to Africa.” The lawyer was Library Center. the Top Gay & Lesbian Realtors in Chicago & the Nation. scattered in nine countries. Gandhi. Instant access at www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683). (6/24/11–52) July 21, 2010 19 Lilith Fair enchants A ‘Pitch’ in time Marking its fifth anniversary, Chicago’s own Pitchfork Music Festival presented another stel- lar line-up at Union Park July 16-18, drawing more than 54,000 fans to this indie-music par- adise and sealing its reputation as one of the most friendly, cutting-edge and influential mu- sic festivals in the country. Attendees reveled in non-stop music on three stages; an art-and- crafts fair; the Flatstock poster show; freebies from hip sponsors; and food vendors offering locally grown and vegan fare. Known for presenting legendary international bands with some of the most innovative, new, breaking bands in the world, Pitchfork 2010 did not disappoint, and may go down as one of the best in its five-year history. Early highlights in- clude a mesmerizing solo performance by Sharon Van Etten; a rousing set by electropop sensa- tion Robyn, who got the crowd jumping despite the 90-degree heat; the soaring harmonies and Lilith Fair, or Lesbianpalooza if you will, was part of the future. She also commented on how danceable sounds of the relatively unknown Wolf an eight-hour affair July 17 at the Midwest Bank thankful she is for everyone that comes to the Parade, who won over many new fans; and an Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Ill. The variety of festival, including her huge lesbian following, impressive headlining turn by LCD Soundsys- musical acts kept the long day fresh with punk and that “we fall in love with who we fall in love tem, whose disco-punk sounds brought most of singer Kate Nash, Courtyard Hounds (made up with, we’re human beings and it shouldn’t make 18,000 fans to their feet, illuminated by a giant of two of the three Dixie Chicks), Heart, Mary J. any bloody difference what sex they are.” The disco ball. Sunday, July 18, was by far the big- Blige (who later had an afterparty at the club Le Chicago Women’s Health Center received a check gest day for indie fans with San Francisco’s su- Passage) and singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan. for more than $10,000 on behalf of the tour. per-hyped newcomer Girls setting the pace early The mastermind of the festival, McLachlan stated Throughout the day, the mainly gay and les- with a sun-drenched, enthusiastic performance, during a press conference earlier in the day that bian crowds shopped booths in the outside pa- and the much-anticipated Pavement reunion they are already talking about a five-year plan vilion, ate, drank and danced until dark. closing the night with a ‘90s grunge, slacker- for the Fair. When asked by Windy City Times The eclectic show drew to a close with the metal set that left the crowd seemingly pleased about a destination Lilith Fair where fans would main headliners returning to the stage for a ren- but subdued. travel to one location such as Lollapalooza, Sar- dition of Patti Smith’s “Because the Night.” Text The rest of Sunday was a veritable best-of ah stated that they had discussed it and may be and photos by Jerry Nunn SXSW 2010, featuring the hottest bands from last spring’s Indie mecca, including Sleigh Bells, Titus Andronicus, Neon Indian, Here We Go Magic and surf-pop wunderkinds Surfer Blood, whose beach rock wowed the crowd with tight ‘60s guitar riffs and soaring Wilsonesque harmo- nies. Beach House and Best Coast brought more poppy surf sounds to the day. St.Vincent added a lush, dreamy midday set, while Major Lazer’s theatrics and Chinese puppets fueled a huge, roiling mosh pit, filling the Pitchfork bowl with thousands of hands waving in the air. In addition to the cutting-edge programming, the independent Pitchfork once again proved a model of the friendly, ethical and innovative music festival. Eschewing the price gouging of Lollapalooza and other major festivals, Pitchfork offered reasonably priced tickets, vendors with good food and low prices, bottled water for a buck, and free water stations for refills. One of the greenest festivals on the planet, Pitchfork expanded its plentiful recycling stations, offered a new free bike valet, and ramped up its biodie- sel fuel use, and bought carbon off-sets for per- formers. Photos and text by Brenda Schumacher 20 July 21, 2010

season Biggest Loser casting teams will do their best to see the first 500 people in line and candidates should bring a non- returnable photo of themselves (and their partners if applying as a team). 10pm, NBC Tower, 454 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, www.thebiggestlosercasting.com Brought to you by the combined efforts of

Sunday, July 25 PYRAMID SCHEME Red Stars host Chicago Pro Sports and Thurs., July 22- Social Media Panel Get the inside scoop Sun., Aug. 1 about social media programming from Chicago’s professional sports teams, fea- The Egyptian classic Aida turing the Red Stars, Chicago Cubs (Ma- runs at the American Wed., July 21 jor League Baseball), Chicago Fire (Major Gospel Recovery Jubilee 5th Anniversary SPARKS & RECREATION League Soccer), Chicago Rush (Arena Theatre Company, 1909 Recovery Support Group Anniversary Cel- Friday, Aug. 6 Football League) and more for $30 pack- W. Byron. ebration for GLBTQ in recovery. Recovery age including the panel, all-you-can-eat speakers, dancers, food and more music by Hal Sparks will be at food and drinks courtesy of Levy Restau- Tremaine & Company, LRC Recovery Choir. rants, and premiere seating to the Chicago Admission is free. 6:30pm, 773-576-5930, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Red Stars versus Boston Breakers match at 1505 W Morse Ave, lifereclamationcenter- Halsted. 3pm; 1:30pm, Toyota Park, 7000 S. Har- chicago.com lem, Bridgeview., www.redstarsgear.com/ Graffiti Party at Minibar Come see the chisportspanel72510. in women’s fiction, gay and lesbian titles, uber-hot David G. and Jay P Wednesdays Sapphic Adventures Brunch Join ladies of nonfiction, children’s books, CDs and at Minibar Ultra Lounge and Cafe; 9pm, Sapphic Adventures for a buffet brunch. DVDs, and more. 10am, 773-769-9299, Minibar Ultra Lounge and Cafe, 3341 N This event is organized for women over Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Halsted, www.minibarchicago.com 40s although other age groups are also www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Dollar Drink Night at SPIN That’s right, $1 welcome. The brunch costs $19.95 plus Al Green live at The Venue Come see Rock cocktails, wine, and beer all night long. & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Al Green on Peninsula Chicago, 108 E Superior, www. gay American male. 8pm, 773-327-5252, tax and gratuity. 11am, Reza’s, 5525 N 9pm, Spin Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont Ave, his second trip to The Venue. Tickets: $85, vitalbridges.org/ Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Bel- Clark Street, www.sapphicadventures.org www.spin-nightclub.com $65, $45; 7:30pm, 219-473-6060, The Ven- Test Positive Aware Network’s Up on the mont, www.fmenchicago.com Susan Werner opens for Joan Armatrading ue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Roof Nearly 100% of event proceeds to go AIDA produced by Bailiwick Chicago In its Special intimate seated show with these Dr, www.horseshoehammond.com/events- Thursday, July 22 directly to the good works of TPAN, one of first Chicago production since the national two outstanding female artists. 8pm, Over her 28-year career detail.do?locationcode=uha&detailname= Natalie Merchant Chicago’s most effective AIDS service and tour, Bailiwick Chicago’s newly envisioned House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn, www. Natalie Merchant has earned a place al-green-detail&eventtitle=al+green education agencies. Co-Chairs, Greg O’Neill production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s houseofblues.com among America’s most respected record- and Ken Miller, Tom Chiola and Drew Jemi- AIDA features stunning choreography by ing artists with a reputation for being lo. Culinary creations by The Purple Pig. the modern dance company Deeply Root- Monday, July 26 Thursday, Aug. 5 a songwriter of quality and a captivat- DIFFA / Chicago Auxiliary Board: M.E. = Jazz by Jeff Roscoe and Michael Favreau. ed Dance Theatre, a six-piece band, and Windy City Open mic with Kat Fitzger- ing performer. 12:30pm, Borders - State Motivate + Educate Five neighborhoods 5:30pm, MDA Apartments, 63 E. Lake St. a cast of 20 talented actors, singers, and ald Windy City Open Mic, hosted by Kat Street, 150 N. State across five months to promote awareness Chicago, www.tpan.com dancers. Performances: Thurs and Fridays Fitzgerald, every Monday. Sign-up starts Chefs and the City Chicago’s premier din- of HIV/AIDS and to raise money for the Comedy and politics with comic Jessica 8pm, Saturdays 3pm and 8pm, and Sun- at 7pm and the music gets going around ing event, Chefs and the City featuring fight against AIDS. 7:30pm, Hydrate, 3458 Halem for Harry Osterman $75 individu- days 3pm. 8pm, 866-811-4111, American 8. Includes prizes and raffles. 7pm, Up- tastes from 33 Club, Aldino’s, Arun’s Thai N. Halsted, www.diffachicago.org/events. al, $300 host, $600 sponsor, $1,000 chair, Theater Company, 1909 W Byron, www. town Lounge, 1136 W Lawrence Ave, www. Restaurant, avec, Avenues, Belly Shack html RSVP to Jacque Tuite citizensforharry@ bailiwickchicago.com windycityopenmic.com and Urban Belly, Blackbird, Café Spiag- yahoo.com or 847-736-1951; 6pm, Ripley Caine performs live! Ripley has Speed Dating for Gay Men (Age 21 to 35) gia, Charlie Trotter’s, David Burke’s Prime- 847-736-1951, Hamburger Mary’s, 5400 served on the board of directors of Women Date up to 30 gay men in one night, in- Friday, Aug. 6 house, English, Fulton’s on the River, Hal Sparks Up Close and Personal An ac- N Clark in Rock and is the founder and co-coordi- creasing your chances for a Match. Event tor and comedian, Hal is best known as Graham Elliott, Japonais, Kendall College, nator of Cake Chicago (a monthly queer Check-in time will begin at 6:30pm and a frequent contributor to VH1, a former Lockwood Restaurant, MK The Restau- showcase at Red Line Tap). Her latest re- will end at 7:00pm. Speed dating will start host of E!’s Talk Soup, a regular on WCPT’s rant, NAHA, Perennial, Province, Ria, RL Friday, July 23 lease, “Not Like Other Girls,” is currently promptly at 7:15pm. 7:15pm, 773-327- Restaurant, Sepia, Spring, Sprout, Swirlz Stephanie Miller Show and as Michael No- Fu_king Men Tony-nominated writer Joe available for download at Itunes. 9pm, 7711, Spin Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont votny on Queer as Folk! 6:30pm: Doors Cupcakes, The Bristol, Union League Club DiPietro’s latest play, FU_KING MEN, ob- Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave, www.gaymatchchicago.com/events. open. 7pm: Live show. $15. Also at 5:30 of Chicago, Vie, and many more! 5pm, The serves the sex lives of the modern urban php Saturday, July 24 pm, VIP Meet n’ Greet $35. 7pm, Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, www.center- Disability Pride Parade with disabled Wed., July 28 onhalsted.org genderqueer activist Eli Clare The 7th Walking With Dinosaurs – the Arena Spec- Thank GLAAD It’s Friday Set in popular Annual Disability Pride Parade—”Pride tacular Walking With Dinosaurs, featur- venues, TGIF events include complimen- Revolution”; 10:30am, 401 S. Plymouth, ing seventeen life-sized dinosaurs 0 the tary ABSOLUT® VODKA cocktails, one-year Chicago, www.disabilityprideparade.com largest of which is 36’ tall and 56’ long, GLAAD memberships, special guest hosts Celebrate Clark Street Delight your senses comes to the Allstate Arena for eight per- and nightly prize drawings as... well as with rhythms that make you dance and formances only July 28-Aug 1. 7pm, All- the opportunity to network and meet with rich flavors from around the world without state Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, www. like-minded professionals. 7pm, Minibar leaving Chicago at the 5th Annual “Cel- dinosaurlive.com Ultra Lounge and Cafe, 3341 N Halsted, ebrate Clark Street Festival” on Saturday, Drink & Ride (Girls’ Night Out) Skylevel www.glaad.org/2010/tgif/chicago1 July 24 (1 to 11 PM) and Sunday, July 25 Presents: Level Ladies Along With Iq2 Ent Gay Pride Moonlight Cruise w/Miss Foozie (1 to 10 PM), on Clark Street between Bring You: drink & Ride (girls Night Out), Miss Foozie hosts the Gay Pride Moonlight Morse and Touhy. 1pm, 773-508-5885, the hot new Wednesday night party exclu- Cruise, a special gay cruise on Lake Michi- Rogers Park, Clark Street between Morse/ sively for women. 10pm, 773-942-3483, gan to celebrate Pride on June 25/26th Touhy, www.rogers-park.com Hogs and Honeys, 901 W Street, www. and Market Days on August 6/7th (Board Boystown Tour Join us in a trip through facebook.com/q.of.iq2ent 12:15am at Navy Pier, Cruise 12:45am - one of Chicago’s most distinctive neigh- 2:30am). These special cruises feature borhoods. Boystown was the first officially Friday, July 30 an hors d’oeuvres buffet, Blue After-Dark recognized gay village in the country and Mädchen in Uniform showing A microcosm DJs, dancing on the observation deck and believe me, it has a lot to show for it. of Weimar Germany, circa 1931, Mädchen a Pride Theme. $35.90 per person (21+); 5pm, 773.593.4873, Roscoe’s Tavern, in Uniform tells the story of a sensitive 11:30pm, www.mysticbluecruises.com/ 3356 N Halsted St, chicagoelevated.com girl sent to an all-girls boarding school chicago/gay-pride-moonlight-cruise Quest for Mist The Sidetrack Cubs, member where she develops a romantic attachment of Chicago MSA (Chicago’s and the United to one of her teachers. One of the earli- States largest Softball League) will be est narrative films to explicitly portray Saturday, Aug. 7 29th Annual Northalsted Market Days® hosting it’s first fundraiser for this year’s homosexuality. UIC Professor of Germanic The Midwest’s largest two-day outdoor Midwest Invitational Softball Tournament. Studies, Dr. Sara Hall, will introduce the street festival. With more than 150,000 $20 includes sponsored bar. 6pm, 773- film and lead a discussion following the visitors it’s also one of the largest GLBT- 407-0879, Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St, screening. Suggested donation $8. 7pm, centric outdoor events in the country. www.cubssoftball.net Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, www. Market Days spans four city blocks and Hollywood Beach clean-up/picnic Meet up centeronhalsted.org has 17 entrance gates and includes four at Ardmore Hollywood Beach, near Sheri- music stages. Also: food and arts & craft dan and the lake to pick up trash, take Saturday, July 31 vendors—some 400 in total. 11am, (773) water samples, report on the condition of Women & Children First Bookstore annual 868-3010, North Halsted Street between ARMATRADING PLACES the beach, enjoy a volunteer appreciation used book sale Help support the Women’s Belmont and Addison, Chicago, www.chi- picnic. 9pm, Hollywood Beach, Chicago, Voices Fund and shop for incredible values Sunday, July 25 cagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=124 www.hrc.org/your_community/14477.htm at the same time at our annual used book new sale. Scan the stacks for bargains galore Joan Armatrading (above) and Susan Werner perform Open casting call for Biggest Loser at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo by Joel Anderson : online ChicagoPride.com July 21, 2010 21

WWee lluuvv uuss ssoommee BILLY MASTERS SSooffttbbaallll “They still don’t understand why I didn’t win. I go, ‘Guys! Seriously?’ They go, ‘No, mommy. You were the best.’ They still insist. That’s love.”—Kate Gosselin tells Access Hollywood how shocked her kids were when she didn’t win Dancing with the Stars. Apparently, the delusional gene is heredi- tary. Timing is everything. At one point during my Eastern European jaunt, I was literally two blocks away from Jude Law, who took a break from the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in Carlsbad, Czech Republic to sing at a karaoke bar! Sure, I was with hotter guys, but I was devastated that I missed my chance to hear Jude warble “Johnny B Goode.” Thank heavens one of the patrons had 3349 N. Halsted SidetrackChicago.com a camera phone and sent me the video. It’s not much of a karaoke bar (certainly not in the same league as the L.A. establishments featuring ka- raoke with Kenny), but it’s Jude Law, and that’s 33 FFeessttiivvee FFuunnddrraaiisseerrss reason enough for me to post the footage on my website. SSAATTUURRDDAAYY,, JJUULLYY 2244 55--88ppmm oonn tthhee RRooooff DDeecckk People involved with 90210 have confirmed wwiitthh TThhee SSiiddeettrraacckk CCuubbss.. that one of the male characters will be com- ing out. Who will it be? The frontrunners (so to TTUUEESSDDAAYY,, JJUULLYY 2277 77--99ppmm oonn tthhee RRooooff DDeeck speak) are played by Matt Lanter, Michael Steger Daniel Radcliffe apparenty doesn’t have Bie- wiitth The Siidettrack Bllues.. and Trevor Donovan. The one most people are ber fever. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. whispering about is Trevor—the hottie who pre- SATURDAY,, JULY 31 5-8pm iin tthe Maiin Bar viously did a nude photo shoot where an alien years in prison. For the record, John said, “There BBeeaarr--aaookkee wwiitthh TThhee SSiiddeettrraacckk BBeeaarrss.. entered him from behind (something I never get was no hot tub, no drugs, no nudity and nothing During fundraisers, the rest of the bar is open as usual. No cover. tired of mentioning—or posting). Ironically, the sexual in nature involved in my friendship with During fundraisers, the rest of the bar is open as usual. No cover. hunky actor/model is featured in this month’s this woman.” So there. “Cosmo” looking more gorgeous than ever and Anderson Cooper and his beau, Benjamin Mai- Joiin us fforrtthrree speciiallSttolliittasttiings and rregiistterr showing oodles of skin. Coincidence or fortu- sani, have been more and more visible. The duo tto wiin an excllusiive VIIP BoattParrtty hostted by Sttollii.. itous timing? See what all the fuss is about on previously popped up in pics strolling together Pllan tto sttop by Siidettrrack Frriiday,,Jully 23:: 8-9::30pm,, BillyMasters.com. during a German vacation. Earlier this month, Mon,,Jully 26:: 10 --11::30p • Sun,,Aug..1:: 5--6::30pm Back in 2008, jewelry was stolen from the the pair went public domestically with a trip a home of the legendary Julie Newmar. She re- deux to the très gay David Barton Gym in match- ported the theft, but no one could figure out ing tight black Ts. (From the photos, I think it how the caper occurred. Cops couldn’t crack the was “arm day.”) They then tooled around the case, but Catwoman could. As luck would have city on mountain bikes—with nary a mountain it, a year later Newmar was surfing the web and in sight, but why quibble? And, yes, I’ll run the came across the missing jewels for sale on eBay sexy pics—as if you had to ask. (and let’s pause once again and picture Julie Little Daniel Radcliffe says he’s hopelessly out cruising eBay). Her baubles were being sold by of touch with pop culture: “I only heard Jus- a pawn shop in Illinois. Julie alerted the au- tin Bieber for the first time two weeks ago. I thorities, and they learned that the pawn shop genuinely thought it was a woman singing.” It received the ill-gotten goods from one of Julie’s wouldn’t clear things up if you saw him in per- FIVE TIME former acquaintances. See? Timing. The man was son, Danny! TONY arrested and charged with grand theft. This past Our “Ask Billy” question is from Randy in Dal- TED! week, a plea was reached, so the thief will get las: “Thanks for the heads-up on Ronnie Kroell. NOMINA three years probation and 45 days of community I am completely in love with him. Is it just me, service. Let that be a lesson to anyone out there or do the photos in ‘Playgirl’ look...uh....’digitally thinking of burgling the lair of the Catwoman enhanced’?” (which would be a great title for a movie). That’s something many people have been The case of high school girl trying to extort debating ever since the “fully aroused” photos $680K out of John Stamos has hit the courts. were published in Playgirl. In some snaps, it The incident happened in 2004, when Stamos does indeed appear that more than on-set fluff- was in Orlando, Fla.—allegedly heartbroken over ing was employed to achieve such impressive re- his split with Rebecca Romijn. While at a bar, sults. I did a bit of digging and came up with a he met a blonde girl named Allison who was on conclusive way to answer this—well, there’s an- spring break. According to Allison, she and a other way, but I’ve been out of the country. I’ve female friend went back to John’s hotel with unearthed some raw, unedited film footage from him. She claims he ordered her a drink, even the shoot that should answer every question though she told him she was only 17 years old. once and for all. It’s explicit, hot, and available Allegedly, two female strippers later turned up only at BillyMasters.com. with a bag of cocaine. Allison claims she took When I’m going undercover with a Playgirl a photo of Stamos bending over a table laden centerfold, it’s definitely time for me to thank with drugs—although no photo has surfaced. God for this job and end yet another column. The duo then got into a hot tub, where John See? I was in the right place at the right time. offered to perform oral sex on Allison—an offer And talking about timing—a couple of weeks she declined. Stop right there—red flag alert! ago, a lesbian was mistaken for Justin Bieber. How many women turn down oral sex? None— This week, Bieber is mistaken for a woman! Of that’s how many. She claims they didn’t have course, it’s always the perfect time to check out sex, but she did spend the night cuddling with www.BillyMasters.com. And, for a good time (or him (red flag number two—it’s John Stamos, for the answer to a question), feel free to send an God’s sake). Later Allison allegedly teamed up e-mail me to at [email protected] and I with a male friend and tried to get John to pay promise to get back to you before someone de- SEPTEMBER 21–OCTOBER 3 money in exchange for the incriminating photo. velops CSI: Catwoman! So, until next time, re- Her story was full of holes, so to speak, and the member, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. s s jury wasted no time in finding Allison and her 4)#+%43!6!),!",%!4!,,"2/!$7!9).#()#!'/"/8/&&)#%3!.$4)#+%4-!34%22%4!),,/#!4)/.3sGROUPS 15+: 312-977-1710 co-conspirator guilty. They’re facing up to five

wct_5x6.625_jul21_ROA.indd 1 7/16/10 5:47:18 PM 22 July 21, 2010 spired by similar initiatives in Berlin, Vienna, —Home sweet home: “I moved to the Chi- Cleveland Paris, Brussels and Tel Aviv. cago area and started teaching and became a high school volleyball coach. I continue to run GAY GAMES volleyball camps and clinics for middle school still hosting and high school [students], and adults.” Jessica Andrasko: —Spike this: “For the past 10 years, I have 2014 Games? been playing various CMSA sports, including vol- By Ross Forman Teacher heads leyball, beach volleyball, flag football, dodge- ball, softball, as well as competitive basketball As the opening ceremony for the 2010 Gay for Cologne and volleyball in the suburbs as well as being Games in Cologne, Germany, on July 31, rapidly By Ross Forman on a travelling tournament softball team. I approaches, there’s a shocking firestorm sur- also have been golfing quite a bit with my girl- rounding the 2014 Games in Cleveland. The volleyball player from Chicago is going to friend.” Will the 2014 Games still be held in Cleveland? Doug Anderson. Germany this summer and hoping to see some of —Other sports to see in Cologne?: Basket- And who is/will be the organizing committee? her former teammates—from Norway. ball, beach volleyball, flag football and softball Lots of questions are coming from Cleveland Yep, welcome to the world of Jessica An- —How the 2010 Games will compare with and elsewhere, but there are few concrete an- Windy City Times last December—about two drasko, 37, who actually lives and works in 2006 in Chicago: “Hopefully there will be more swers, so far. months after Cleveland had been awarded the suburban Bolingbrook and is going to Cologne, teams since in Chicago there were only four One thing for certain is, though: The City of 2014 Games. Boston and Washington, D.C., also Germany, in July for Gay Games VIII. She is play- teams competing.” Cleveland sent a letter to the Cleveland Synergy were bidding to host the 2014 Games. ing volleyball with a team of Chicagoans, known —Favorite pro sports: Football and baseball Foundation July 7 stating that the Federation Anderson, 54, had no comment about the re- as Momentum; the squad includes Kate Hahn, —Favorite pro athlete: of Gay Games (FGG) is terminating Synergy’s li- cent developments. “When we have all the facts, Joy Lesnick, Tegan Kinane, Sasha Tkach, Angela —Favorite pro team: Pittsburgh Steelers cense agreement for Gay Games 2014 and that we will make a statement,” he said. Northrop and others. —Hobbies: Golfing, bowling, bags, playing the city is halting all payments to Synergy. The Gay People’s Chronicle of Ohio asked An- “I am so excited to go back overseas to play Wii, hanging out with my girlfriend, our dog and The letter was sent from Tracey A. Nichols, derson if Cleveland was in any danger of losing volleyball,” said Andrasko, who played four years friends. director of the Department of Economic De- the Games, to which he replied, “No comment.” of Division I volleyball at Bowling Green State —Favorite TV show(s): Fringe, Bones, The velopment for the City of Cleveland. The letter Earlier this month, Boston’s Spirit magazine University before graduating in 1995. She then Mentalist, CSI, Damages was sent to the three leading officials with the published an article alleging foul play with the played pro volleyball in Norway, coached at the —Favorite movie(s): Avatar, any Tim Burton Cleveland Synergy Foundation: Doug Anderson, selection of Cleveland and Akron last year. University of Toledo and Valparaiso University, movies and Johnny Depp movies Jeff Axberg and Brian Tarolier. “We tried our best to follow all of the rules and still plays competitively in various leagues —Little-known skill: “I make stained-glass A copy of the letter also was sent to multiple and regulations, but there was some conflicting in the city and suburbs. pieces.” people within the City of Cleveland, including information from the Federation,” Axberg told This will be her third Games—Chicago in 2006 Ken Silliman (the mayor’s chief of staff). Spirit. “On a personal level, I would love for a and her lone medal-winning event, a bronze in On July 6, the FGG notified Synergy that the city in North America like Boston to host the Amsterdam in 1998. Out ex-NFL player federation was exercising its right to terminate Gay Games in 2018.” And she has played competitive volleyball for Esera Tuaolo the license agreement with Synergy for the 2014 Anderson and Axberg told Spirit they were the past 28 years. Games. confused about the rules for the proposal. The “Our team is working hard to fundraise for this arrested Kelly Stevens, the FGG’s officer of communica- magazine reported that the rules limit the num- trip and we set up a website with player profiles, Openly gay former NFL player Esera Tuaolo was tions, said July 19 by phone that the FGG “is ber of sports to 28. Cleveland proposed 40, in- upcoming events and online donations at www. arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, looking forward to going to Cleveland for Gay cluding golf, which is to be held at Akron’s Fires- momentumvb.com,” Andrasko said. “I am the assault and domestic assault in Minnesota, ac- only child, grandchild and niece on my moth- Games IX in 2014.” But anything beyond that, tone Country Club, 45 miles south of Cleveland. cording to Football News Now. er’s side of the family, and was raised to play including, who will be running the Cleveland or- Authorities in Ramsey County responded to a sports in my family. I will be thinking about my ganizing committee, received a “no comment.” call for a domestic assault June 20. Tuaolo was grandpa [while in Cologne]; he recently passed Stevens confirmed that he has heard all of Outgames director arrested and taken into custody. He was released away and was my biggest fan and supporter and the rumors floating around regarding the 2014 on $2,000 bail June 21. never missed a game of mine in high school or Games and its organizing committee, but also Gerry Hail dies According to MSNBC.com, Tuaolo, 42, told the By Ross Forman college.” had no comment. Minnesota Star Tribune that he was “very embar- Jess, as she’s commonly called, is a science Multiple sources have said that a major an- rassed this happened. It saddens me to jump Gerry Hail, an American who lived in Copenha- teacher at Bolingbrook High School. She has nouncement is expected this week regarding the online and see how people are talking about my gen since 1990 and was the communications been dating Lisa for almost two years, and Lisa 2014 Cleveland organizing committee. kids. My head is just spinning.” The Tribune re- director for the 2009 World Outgames in Copen- might be golfing at the Games. Axberg, founder of the Cleveland Synergy porter wrote that the victim was not Tuaolo’s hagen, died July 17 of an apparent heart attack. Foundation, issued a statement July 19. ex-partner, Mitchell Wherley, with whom he is He was 51. “As the organization licensed to produce the raising two children. “It is so, so sad,” Uffe Elbaek, who was the 2014 Gay Games, the Cleveland Synergy Founda- president of the 2009 World Outgames, told tion remains committed to bringing this impor- Windy City Times. “Gerry personalized all the tant, civic, cultural, and economic event to the Semenya wins best in the LGBT community in Copenhagen. He Cleveland [and] Akron region,” he wrote. “The was fun, he was smart, he was politically-aware, comeback race Cleveland Synergy Foundation has met all of its South African Caster Semenya won her 800- he had a heart of gold and was the crazy but commitments to the Federation of Gay Games. meter sprint in Lappeenranta, Finland—her first beautiful God of the dance floor. We look forward to quickly resolving any ques- race since being cleared to return to competi- “Last year he was married to his lover for many tions the Federation may have, and moving for- tion after having to undergo gender tests, ac- years [Jesper Carl Corfitzen], got the job he ward in the same spirit of teamwork and collabo- cording to CBSSports.com. wanted after the Outgames, and was in a great ration that won the Games for Cleveland [and] Semenya, 19, won the race in two minutes, creative flow.” Akron. 4.22 seconds; when she won the gold medal at Hail was born in New York City and lived in “The licensing agreement between Synergy and the world championships last year, she ran the San Francisco before moving to Copenhagen. He the Federation of Gay Games clearly articulates same distance in one minute, 55.45 seconds. graduated from Harvard University. a process to resolve any questions or conflicts. She hopes to contend for a gold medal at the He worked for the Outgames’ organizing com- As outlined in the mutually endorsed agreement, Jessica Andrasko. Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, in mittee in Copenhagen from May 2007 through this process should begin with a meeting of the October. the end of the summertime event. two groups’ steering committees. If that meet- “Gerry was responsible for all corners of the ing leaves questions unanswered, the groups’ Jessica Andrasko facts: World Outgames communication strategy,” El- boards of directors are then required to meet. —High school: Sweet Home in New York; baek said. “If you look back [at] the Outgames Only if those first two meetings result in an im- Class of 1991 CMSA Wednesday posters, the website, the folders, etc., you can passe would mediation be an appropriate third —College: Bowling Green State University nearly see, listen and smell Gerry in all the ma- step, according to the agreement. We have re- (1995); 1st Masters, University of Toledo (1997); Night Kickball terial. quested that the Federation join us in following 2nd Masters, Chicago State University (2005) “He was the best communication director you this process of resolution in order to maintain —Chicago Force: Played two years for the could have and, on top of that, the best friend the integrity of our organization, the FGG, and women’s tackle football team W L Tie as well. We will all mess him deeply.” Team X-Cel 5 0 0 the future of the Gay Games movement. —Goals for the Gay Games: “To bring home a The Spot Steel Toe Divas 4 0 1 “It is imperative that Gay Games remain an gold medal” Cocktail 4 1 0 Other news: In other news from the 2009 event created by the LGBT community, for the —Strength of your volleyball game: “Hitting Bucks Corn Fed Kickers 3 1 1 World Outgames, the Copenhagen City Council’s SoFoSexuals 3 1 0 LGBT community, with the partnership and sup- and passing” culture and leisure committee approved plans to 4 Kicks 2 3 0 port of the host city. We are confident that once —Volleyball position: Outside hitter Halsted’s 2 2 0 fund a cultural center for the local LGBT commu- our steering committees and boards of directors —Sports fever: Was a varsity volleyball, bas- Rub Her Balls 2 3 0 nity from profits made at the Outgames, it was The Call Girls 2 3 0 meet, it will be clear to all involved that Synergy ketball and softball player in high school for announced in early July. Rockford Peaches 2 2 0 remains on schedule to deliver the world-class all four years, All-State in all three sports. Re- Scarlet Ball Kickers 1 3 0 The Outgames managed to pull in a surplus of event the community envisioned and the Fed- cruited for volleyball and basketball in college, Spyners Banana Hammocks 1 3 0 1.5 million kroner (about $261,000). The A Team 0 4 0 eration endorsed.” but decided to play volleyball on scholarship at The idea for the new cultural center was in- Ballz 0 5 0 Anderson, Synergy’s founder, was profiled in Bowling Green State. July 21, 2010 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

T i Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC

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& Clark Hill is a full-service law firm consisting of a diverse o COUNSELOR team of attorneys and professionals committed to our clients and our communities. Count on Us. Count on More. AT LAW 312.985.5900 | clarkhill.com Fighting for the LGBT community [email protected] and making headlines since 2001 CUSTOM FRAMING 203 North LaSalle, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL Protect your favorite jersey! Office: 312-827-7973 • Mobile: 312-909-1219 Regular $315, on sale now $249.99 email: [email protected] ARIZONA ILLINOIS MICHIGAN WASHINGTON DC www.TsamisLaw.com © 2009 Clark Hill PLC 1478 W. Berwyn - 773.784.3962

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